Meaningful Use

Summary

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) calls for multiple years of Medicare incentive payments to hospitals and physicians who meet the requirements of meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. Nearly 40 percent of respondents believed that the industry will come to a consensus on the definition of meaningful use by the end of 2010. Respondents were most likely to indicate that the capability to support process and care measurement that drives improvements in patient safety, quality of care and cost reductions will be the most important factor in achieving meaningful use. And, while respondents believe that the industry is ready to accept standardized definitions for meaningful use, they are not optimistic that organizations will be able to meet ALL of the metrics of meaningful use by the beginning of FY11 (October 1, 2010).

Meaningful Use:
Most Important Attribute

More than 40 percent of respondents indicated that the capability to support process and care measurement that drives improvements in patient safety, quality of care and cost reductions will be the most important factor in achieving meaningful use.

Timing of Industry Consensus

Approximately 40 percent of respondents indicated that the industry will reach consensus on the definition of meaningful use by the end of 2010. However, one quarter of respondents believe that consensus on a definition of meaningful use will not be achieved until the start of FY11, which is October 1, 2011.

Readiness of Industry to Accept Standardized Definitions

Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe that either most or all of people/organizations are ready to accept standard definitions for meaningful use in the area of using a certified EHR, exchanging standardized patient data, using clinical decision support to provide clinical knowledge to enhance patient care and supporting process and care measurement that drive improvements in patient care.

Percent of U.S. Hospitals that will be Prepared to Meet All Metrics of Meaningful Use by FY11

Respondents were not optimistic that a high percent of hospitals will be able to meet the measures of meaningful use as outlined by FY11. Nearly three-quarters of respondents indicated that less than one-quarter of U.S. hospitals will be able to meet ALL metrics by FY11.

Measures Adopted by Physician Practices by FY11

Respondents were most likely to indicate that at least 50 percent of physician users in outpatient practices would have the capability to electronically transmit prescriptions to pharmacies using e-prescribing technology.