Introduction
The centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have stipulated a set of standards that govern the utilization of electronic health records in all hospital settings in the United States. These records permit eligible hospitals and providers to earn incentives by attaining specific criteria. This is termed as Meaningful use of electronic health records. The main aim of using electronic health records as a meaningful use is to improve health care service delivery in the United States. This is achieved through the promotion of health IT as well as electronic health data exchange (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012).
Background
It is provided in the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act (ARRA) that measures ought to be taken so as to modernize the infrastructure of the country. This was enacted on February 17, 2009. Among them is the “Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act” that supports the idea of meaningful use of electronic health programs (HealthIT.gov. n.d., para, 3). This is led by the department of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in coordination with other healthcare organizations and hospitals such as the ambulatory clinic to promote the exchange of electronic health information for improved quality care. Under HITECH, qualified health professionals and healthcare providers can be appropriate for Medicare and Medicaid programs as soon as they use the informational technology given (HealthIT.gov. n.d.).
Data Collection and Its Focus
The information required to be collected in the electronic health records (EHR) may include the medical history of an individual patient or populations. It also includes medication and allergies, radiology images, personal stats such as weight and age, demographics, immunization status, vital signs, billing information and even laboratory tests. Information on a patient’s weight and height helps health professionals in giving the necessary nutritious advice required. Also, vital signs will help professionals to make a quick and appropriate diagnosis of the condition or disease that a patient may be suffering from. This range of data is then shared across various health care settings for easier access and usability. In other cases, the sharing can take place through network-connected enterprise-wide communication systems between health care settings. Eligible hospitals and professionals who adopt as well as implement fully the meaningful use of EHR technology can obtain incentives of about $44,000 through the Medicare program or up to $63,750 through the Medicaid program (McGee, 2011).
The focus of electronic health records collection and usage is to improve the healthcare programs in the United States to an advanced level. Firstly, the meaningful use of electronic health records aims at giving accurate information which is also complete. It is stated that with electronic health records, health professionals have the information required to deliver the best possible care. Secondly, it provides a better access to the required information. Electronic health records help the health care providers to have access to relevant information needed for easier diagnosis of health problems and treatment. It also improves coordination of care by allowing easy sharing of information among doctor’s offices, healthcare systems and hospitals. Thirdly, EHR will promote patient empowerment since they will participate more actively in their health and that of their families. It is pointed out that patients are able to receive copies of their health records and thus, they can share them with their family members (HealthIT.gov., n.d).
Conclusion
In summary, the set of standards defined CMS incentive programs overriding the utilization of electronic health records is the key to meaningful use. There are several benefits associated with the adoption of electronic health records and its usage including receiving payment incentives by providers, giving correct and accurate information, better access to this information and patient empowerment.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Meaningful Use. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ehrmeaningfuluse/introduction.html
HealthIT.gov. (n.d). Meaningful Use. Retrieved from http://www.healthit.gov/policy-researchers-implementers/meaningful-use
McGee, M. K. (2011). There's More To Patient Safety Than 'Meaningful Use'. Information Week. Retrieved from http://www.informationweek.com/healthcare/clinical-systems/theres-more-to-patient-safety-than-meani/229218911
