Creating a real return-on-investment for information system implementation: life after HITECH

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Health Policy
• Medical Economics

Background:

• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established rules in 2010 to promote electronic health record (EHR) adoption.
• The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act provides financial incentives for meaningful EHR use.
• A new definition of hospital-based eligible professionals (EPs) impacts participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simplify the CMS final rule regarding EHR meaningful use incentives.
• To outline the requirements for EPs, particularly anesthesiologists.
• To explain the financial implications of the HITECH Act for US anesthesiologists.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the CMS final rule on EHR meaningful use.
• Distillation of key facts and requirements for eligible professionals.
• Examination of the definition of non-hospital-based EPs.

Main Results:

• Non-hospital-based EPs can receive monetary benefits starting in 2011 for meeting meaningful use criteria.
• Most anesthesiologists meet the criteria to be considered non-hospital-based EPs.
• The study provides a clear breakdown of the rule's impact on anesthesiology.

Conclusions:

• US anesthesiologists can leverage the HITECH Act for financial incentives through EHR adoption.
• Understanding the CMS meaningful use criteria is crucial for maximizing benefits.
• The findings facilitate informed decision-making for anesthesiologists regarding EHR implementation.