Meaningful use Stage 2 final rule released

Patient portals, behavior changes top list of challenges

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In the 2012 final rule for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Electronic Health Record Incentive Program (meaningful use), the addition of one year to prepare for reporting and attestation requirements will enable organizations that are just now working on Stage 1 requirements time to implement electronic health records (EHR). Key challenges include:

• Cultural and behavior changes needed to provide patients with online access to medical information within 36 hours of discharge.

• Promotion of patient portals to create use of online service by at least 5% of patients.

• Cost and manpower needed to develop systems to comply with Stage 2.

• Current lack of broadband infrastructure in rural areas.