HIDI Tech Connect - December 31

CMS, HHS Issue Notices On Meaningful Use, Requirements For ‘Certified’ EHRs
MHA Staff Contact: Theresa Rogers
(12/31/09)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule that outlines provisions governing electronic health records incentive programs for Medicare and Medicaid. The notice also includes a proposed definition for “meaningful use” of EHR technology. To be eligible to receive payments under the incentive programs provided through the Recovery Act, hospitals and eligible providers must demonstrate meaningful use of a certified EHR system.

An interim final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines an initial set of standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria to enhance the interoperability, functionality, utility and security of health information technology. The rule provides details on requirements for “certified” electronic health record systems and the technical specifications needed to support secure, interoperable, nationwide electronic exchange and meaningful use of health information.

Combined, these two regulations set EHR adoption requirements that hospitals and eligible providers must meet to qualify for additional Medicare and Medicaid payments beginning in 2011 and avoid significant Medicare payment penalties beginning in 2015.

MHA will provide additional details following a complete review of the regulations.

HIDI Online Tightens Security; New Reference Manual, Data Library Available
MHA Staff Contact: Cerise Seifert
(12/31/09)

Effective today, HIDI Online users will be required to change their password every 90 days. This is one of several new HIDI process changes intended to increase data security. Additional information will be provided as changes are finalized.

In addition, a reference manual recently added to the documentation section of HIDI Online contains information to assist users in understanding the available online data or data sources. Users are encouraged to submit requests or ideas for additional reference manual information.

A new outpatient observation library at HIDI Online contains data for patients who were admitted for observation stays. Data are available for federal fiscal year 2006 through FFY 2008, as well as the first three quarters of FFY 2009.