New Meaningful Use FAQ for EPs

CMS Has Added an Important New FAQ for EPs on Using Hospital EHR Modules for Meaningful Use

We want to help keep you updated with information on the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. CMS has recently added a new FAQ that discusses the ability for eligible professionals (EPs) in the EHR Incentive Programs to use hospital EHR modules to achieve meaningful use. Take a minute and review the new FAQ below.

 

Question: Can an EP use EHR technology certified for an inpatient setting to meet a meaningful use objective and measure?

 

Answer: Yes. For objectives and measures where the capabilities and standards of EHR technology designed and certified for an inpatient setting are equivalent to or require more information than EHR technology designed and certified for an ambulatory setting, an EP can use the EHR technology designed and certified for an inpatient setting to meet an objective and measure.  There are some EP objectives, however, that have no corollary on the inpatient side. As a result, an EP must possess Certified EHR Technology designed for an ambulatory setting for such objectives.  Please reference ONC FAQ 12-10-021-1 and 9-10-017-2 and CMS FAQ 10162 for discussions on what it means to possess Certified EHR Technology, ONC FAQ 6-12-025-1 for a list of affected capabilities and standards, and how that relates to the exclusion and deferral options of meaningful use.

 

You can find this FAQ in the CMS FAQ system (CMS FAQ system) by searching for it by FAQ number. Type in 6421 in the “FAQ # Search” box found at the top, left side of the FAQ page.  Choose the “FAQ #” option by clicking the circle and highlighting it in blue.

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?

Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.