A Big Step Forward For Stage 2 Meaningful Use

By Rich Temple, Executive Consultant for Beacon Partners

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its initial "Stage 2 Meaningful Use" (MU) proposed rules for review by the provider community. The much-anticipated proposed rules are in line with CMS' strategic plan to deploy MU in three stages.

It looks as though CMS has been able to realize its Stage 2 goal. These parameters focus particularly on the electronic exchange of clinical information between not only providers, but also between providers and patients. This approach not only empowers patients, it makes it easier for them to fill any provider-to-provider data exchange gaps on their own. A key data exchange factor in the proposed rules is a requirement that providers be able to leverage (through their certified EHR systems) the evolving national standard DIRECT protocol to exchange information with one another. This eliminates the need for complex proprietary interface development in order to accomplish this objective. This mandate is a huge leap forward and will help organizations effectively and seamlessly exchange information. It also provides the building blocks for the development of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other collaborative care models.

Another common theme is an emphasis on ensuring that providers use automated tools such as clinical decision support, CPOE and e-Prescribing to be able to effectively harness the myriad of data points in an EHR with the goal to deliver and enforce the highest possible level of care. In addition to enhanced Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs) that providers will need to report (still awaiting the final rule on exactly what these will be), the Stage 2 proposal continues to focus on high-priority medical conditions and delivering effective education to clinicians on best practices and evidence-based protocols to address these conditions.

The percentages for compliance have also been significantly raised in Stage 2 from Stage 1 — further reinforcing that the foundations built in Stage 1 need to evolve to fit into the fabric of ongoing practices within provider entities.