Meaningful Use can seem complicated, and with the changes for 2014, it’s easy to become confused. To avoid mistakes, review our summary of common misconceptions about both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use.

 

1. All EHRs certified for Meaningful Use in 2011 are certified for 2014.

Unfortunately, no—fewer than 200 complete ambulatory EHRs have been certified for 2014, which means that a large majority of the 1,931 complete ambulatory EHRs certified for 2011 are no longer an option for 2014 unless you file for a recently announced hardship exception. And beware: a hardship exception will avoid penalties, but will also cost you your incentive funds.

 

2. All EHRs certified for 2014 will work for any specialty.

Not all specialties can attest with all EHRs certified for 2014; you will need to review the Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs) for which the EHR is certified. In some cases, even some of the top 25 EHRs were certified for small numbers of Meaningful Use Stage 2 quality measures. Only 3 of the top 25 EHRs were certified for all 64 CQMs, and MediTouch was one of them.

 

3. I don’t have to begin attesting for the first time for MU until 2015.

Sorry – 2014 is the last year in which an EP can begin to get MU incentive payments.

 

4. I won’t see any impact on my income other than missing out on the incentive payment by not attesting for Meaningful Use.

 

Unfortunately, not attesting for MU will have an impact. 2014 meaningful use performance will be the basis for 2016 Medicare payment adjustments. For EPs, this could mean a 2% reduction in Medicare payments, which would be a loss of up to $5,000 for the average practice.

 

5. Meaningful Use Stage 1 only lasts one year.

No, for EPs that started in 2012 or later, you must be Meaningful Use Stage 1 for two years, and receive incentive payments for each year. See our Meaningful Use Timeline at http://bit.ly/1iBCGPi for a thorough explanation of the stages.

 

6. I don’t have to attest for Meaningful Use Stage 2 if I’ve already attested for Stage 1.

At this time there is no guidance from CMS that states that the Meaningful Use program has an end. Based on what we know today, not participating in new stages of Meaningful Use will result in progressively increasing payment adjustments (penalties) that begin in 2016 and loss of any incentive payments.

 

7. I have to attest for MU Stage 2 for a full year in 2014. No-for 2014 only, all providers regardless of their stage of Meaningful Use are only required to demonstrate meaningful use for a three-month EHR reporting period.