2012 Update on Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records: Recommendations from the AAO-HNS Medical Informatics Committee

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 2012-04, Vol.146 (4), p.544-546
• Main Authors: Sun, Gordon H., Eisenberg, Lee D., Ermini, Edward B., Lee, K. J., Nielsen, David R., Rubin, Koryn Y., Das, Subinoy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; Electronic Health Records - utilization; Humans; Medicaid - legislation & jurisprudence; Medical Informatics - organization & administration; Medicare - legislation & jurisprudence; Motivation; Otolaryngology; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Societies, Medical; United States
• ISSN: 0194-5998; 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599811434534

In 2011, the US federal government implemented an oversight program to encourage the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). Otolaryngologists may receive as much as $44,000 under Medicare or $63,750 under Medicaid as part of this law. To receive this full benefit, otolaryngologists must acquire a certified EHR and demonstrate stage 1 meaningful use requirements by the end of 2012. Furthermore, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT intends to advance meaningful use requirements to stage 2 (estimated to go in effect in 2014) and stage 3 requirements. This commentary discusses updated recommendations from the Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Medical Informatics Committee for implementing meaningful use of EHRs, receiving incentive payments, and preparing for potential stage 2 and stage 3 requirements.