The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) is calling on the U.S. government to proceed on schedule with stage 2 of the meaningful use IT stimulus program; however, it also recommends that year 1 of the stage 2 attestation period be extended by six months.
While acknowledging difficulties in implementation of meaningful use provisions, HIMSS said it is urging practices to proceed with stage 2 -- and to give it the time and patience needed for success. With data from the more than 5,400 hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics database showing clear challenges for eligible hospitals and tethered ambulatory care facilities preparing for stage 2, HIMSS is also advocating that year 1 of the stage 2 attestation period extend through April 2015 for eligible hospitals and June 2015 for eligible professionals.
This proposal would allow 18 months during which eligible hospitals and eligible professionals can attest to meaningful use requirements for a single quarter, according to HIMSS. The six-month extension is a short delay, considering the ultimate goal of implementing health IT to support care coordination and healthcare transformation, HIMSS said.
The HIMSS Analytics survey found that up to 68% of eligible hospitals and 41% of tethered ambulatory facilities have purchased the necessary software to attest to the 2014 certification requirements, but there are concerns that many may still be waiting for the necessary upgrade to the certified version, according to HIMSS.
In its project known as Call to Action, HIMSS is asking providers, hospitals, and vendors to harmonize their execution for the 2014 certification process and implementation of 2014 certified products.
