Step 4: Start Now
In case it has not been obvious up to this point, the best time to adapt to meaningful use is before starting to use an EHR in the first place. The process begins with an understanding of what is being required under the stage 1 criteria, and should end with good documentation habits that target the core criteria and clinical quality measures.
If a practice has not yet updated to a version of their EHR that meets certification criteria, it is crucial to do so as soon as possible. As mentioned before, there will be a learning curve with any upgrade, so be sure to act quickly to meet the CMS deadlines and maximize the reimbursement.
Finally, remember that we are only at stage 1! Proactive thinking and good documentation habits now will be the best preparation for the requirements in the stages to come.
Dr. Skolnik is associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital and professor of family and community medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia. He is also editor-in-chief of Redi-Reference, a software company that creates medical handheld references. Dr. Notte is in private practice in Chalfont, Pa. They are partners in EHR Practice Consultants, helping practices move to EHR systems. Contact them at info@ehrpc.com.