Whitney Palmer

Looking For Imaging in Stage 2 of Meaningful Use

Published on DiagnosticImaging.com on April 13, 2011

By Whitney L.J. Howell

Industry comments on the draft criteria for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program are in. Now specialty leaders and practices are waiting with bated breath see if Stage 2 recommendations offer any clarity on how radiologists will be required to implement electronic health record systems (EHRs).

As it stands now, specialty leaders aren’t holding out much hope the Stage 2 guidelines — which have no mention of imaging — will differ much from the uniform approach taken with Stage 1.

“The overall view is that the one-size-fits-all tactic will largely continue to be the case,” said Michael Peters, director of legislative and regulatory affairs for the American College of Radiology. “We’ve asked for specialty-specific paths because it’s the right thing to do, but we don’t anticipate that the federal agencies will have the time to noodle around and create pathways for all specialties.”

Without knowing the final recommendations from CMS, it’s impossible for radiology practices to effectively prepare for Stage 2 implementation, he said. Proposed rules are expected by late 2011 or early 2012.

To read the remainder of the article, visit: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/meaningful-use/content/article/113619/1842692?cid=dlvr.it&CID=rss

April 14, 2011 - Posted by wjpalmer | Healthcare | American College of Radiology, electronic health records, electronic medical records, Keith Dreyer, meaningful use, meaningful use Stage 2, Michael Peters, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology