HHS Celebrates Meaningful Use Day

New CMS/ONC Blog Post Celebrates Meaningful Use Day of National Health IT Week; Discusses Importance of Meaningful Use 

This week, September 10 – 14, is the seventh annual National Health Information Technology Week, a collaborative forum where industry leaders come together to discuss health IT and the pivotal role it can play in transforming the nation's health care system. From consumer engagement to privacy and security, each day of Health IT Week focuses on a specific theme.

 

Tuesday, September 11th was designated as Meaningful Use Day and highlighted the potential of EHRs—used in a meaningful way—to contribute to more coordinated, efficient, and effective health care. 

 

Robert Tagalicod, Director, Office of E-Health Standards and Services, CMS, Mat Kendall, Director, Office of Provider Adoption Support, ONC, and Dr. Farzad Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, co-authored a blog post, Now is the Time for Meaningful Use, discussing the importance of meaningful use and the successes of the EHR Incentive Programs to date.

 

On August 23, 2012, CMS issued the final rule for Stage 2 of meaningful use for the EHR Incentive Programs, which builds upon the initial progress of the incentive programs, while introducing new criteria that are designed to improve patient safety and quality of care. Some of the most significant changes in Stage 2 focus on patient engagement and health information exchange.

 

Meaningful use improves patient care, increases care coordination, and empowers patients to become active partners in their health and health care. 

 

Find out more about the changes in the Stage 2 rule on the Stage 2 page of the EHR website.

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?

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