According to the MGMA, if the program is not developed and administered appropriately, large numbers of medical groups will fail to achieve “meaningful use” and not qualify for the incentives under ARRA.
In its letter to Dr. Blumenthal, MGMA recommended the following:
- Instituting a pilot test prior to the start of the program and before each new phase of the program;
- Only including criteria for meaningful use that have widespread industry use or have been pilot-tested;
- Using only those meaningful use administrative criteria that are appropriate and achievable;
- Instituting a process to permit physicians to test their reporting systems prior to their “go-live” date;
- Permitting flexibility in achieving meaningful use and avoiding a “pass/fail” approach;
- Developing a simple process for physicians to attest that they have achieved meaningful use;
- Simplifying the data-reporting process and ensuring that the government is ready to accept the data; and
- Closely monitoring the industry to ensure that the program logistics operate appropriately and monitoring the vendor community for its ability to produce high-quality and reasonably priced software.
“This is a historic opportunity for the industry to improve the clinical care physicians deliver to their patients and to streamline healthcare administration. If constructed effectively, this program has the potential of transforming the nation’s healthcare system,” William F. Jessee, MD, FACMPE, MGMA president and CEO, said in the release.
Read the release about MGMA’s “meaningful use” recommendations.
