We are happy to report that OSC successfully met all Meaningful Use Measures required by the US Government under the Affordable Care Act. What did we have to do? We had to make changes to our in-office workflows and set up new information systems. We are now using Nextgen Share, a program which allows us to send (electronically) patient records from our Electronic Medical Records directly into another EMR, when we refer patients to another physician. It eliminates printing and faxing records for those referrals.
In 2015, there were 18 Core Measures and 3 Menu measures we had to meet, which included performing a security risk-analysis, using the OSC Patient Portal to communicate with patients, using Nextgen Share to send out our referrals, e-prescribing medications, tracking our Physician orders and results and reporting to the state for patients with chronic problems. OSC complied with these regulations in a timely manner, but many medical practices in the country were unable to comply by the deadline. As a result, the non-compliant practices were given more time to meet the measures.
As of 1/12/2016, OSC met Meaningful Use guidelines and measures and all information was submitted to the government. For 2016, we have to report on the same measures, unless there are changes made to the regulations by the government.
Meaningful Use Definition & Objectives
Meaningful use is uses certified electronic health record (EHR) technology to:
• Improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities
• Engage patients and family
• Improve care coordination, and population and public health
• Maintain privacy and security of patient health information
Ultimately, it is hoped that the meaningful use compliance will result in:
• Better clinical outcomes
• Improved population health outcomes
• Increased transparency and efficiency
• Empowered individuals
• More robust research data on health systems
Meaningful use sets specific objectives that eligible professionals (EPs) and hospitals must achieve to qualify for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Incentive Programs.
Congratulations to the Physicians and staff for their hard work and dedication to meeting these measurements!