In the March Edition of What’s Up Doc, I discussed the high cost of not implementing ICD-10 correctly and in that same disposition, this month, I would like to discuss Meaningful Use deadlines. If your practice does not attest, the cost may be 2% of your billings!
Recently, I spoke with our in- house Meaningful Use expert, TJ Johnson about the upcoming deadline and how practices need to shake a leg and get moving to meet these deadlines. TJ enlightened me on just how much I was off base on my thinking related to the deadlines. I thought there was still time left, but really there isn’t. It is critical to make decisions now
The Meaningful Use deadlines are as follows:
Stage 1
The practice must compile information for the months of July, August and September.
Stage 2
The practice must compile information for the months of October, November and December.
Here is the kicker. To attest, even for Stage 1, the EMR software must be Stage 2 certified. Yes, you read that right. The EMR you use must already be Stage 2 certified. So, first if you have an EMR already in place, you need to check to make sure the EMR is Stage 2 certified. If it is not, you must upgrade to a Stage 2 certified EMR.
So, let me connect the dates on a timeline after I had the conversation with TJ. It is now May and if a practice needs to start compiling data for Stage 1 in July, then an EMR system need to be in place by June. The learning curve will need to be quick and move in to a high gear.
If a practice needs to upgrade, the upgrade needs to be in place in June if they have not attested for Stage 1. Otherwise the practice will have to compile data for Stage 2 by the end of this year. Here is how I see it:
1- No EMR: ->Select EMR Stage 2 certified and implement by June 30th. This is what the NFL calls the Hail Mary Pass to win the game.
2- EMR Stage 1 certified:-> Upgrade to Stage 2 certified version by June 30 if you have not attested yet. If you have upgrade by September. This is what the NFL calls the 2 minute drill to score.
3- EMR Stage 2 certified: -> Compile your data since your game plan is being executed. For added benefit, talk with TJ about getting a no cost Meaningful Use evaluation just to ensure a victory.
Good luck to you and see you at the goal line.
