With the excitement of Navin R. Johnson (Steve Martin) in the 1979 film “The Jerk” I was thrilled to see the government release the definition of meaningful use at the end of 2009. The nearly 600 page document was as big as the phonebook that contained Navin R. Johnson’s new listing and made him “somebody” and the reading just as captivating. And just like the phonebook, the ending was a real letdown – all we got was Stage 1 and the promise of two more stages.

OK, I’m being a bit of a pessimist here. Stage 1 is a great start. Hopefully hospitals and eligible providers (now affectionately known as EP) will get off the respective backsides and get moving toward demonstrating meaningful use. Any organization or provider still hesitating about starting should have a great reason. Try looking at things from this perspective: would your organization be implementing and EHR if not for the incentive money or threat of penalty if there is no EHR? In most cases, I believe your answer would be in the affirmative. Next question: is your timetable being rushed because of the incentive money? In this case, your answer SHOULD be in the affirmative.

It doesn’t make sense to leave the EMR priority unadjusted and leave “free” money on the table. We’ve all done the math and incentive dollars aren’t going to cover the cost of acquisition or implementation. But it sure will help – especially in a group practice setting where each physician could be considered an EP, thus multiplying the benefit. Waiting for Stage 2 and Stage 3 to be released could leave your organization with a nearly impossible task ahead depending on when you start implementing. Your organization might have to achieve Stage 1 compliance and then jump right to Stage 3 – or worse, start at Stage 3!

Take at look at this table… then decide for yourself. Don’t hesitate, there is money to be lost.

Jeff Kerber
Director, General Consulting
Inteck, Inc.
http://www.inteck-inc.com/LP/LP_meaningfuluse.html