Electronic Health Records: Meaningful Use Programs

The American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allocated $19 billion in Medicare and Medicaid incentives to eligible physicians who demonstrate the "Meaningful Use" of a certified electronic health record system.

The incentives are available only for specific provider groups who have installed certified systems, and who meet specific criteria in their utilization of EHRs.

Meaningful Use Program Overview

Who is eligible for incentive payments, what's available, and when it's available.

• Overview
• Stage 1 Meaningful Use Objectives
• Stage 2 Meaningful Use Objectives
  
• List of Certified Vendors
  Review a comprehensive list of EHR vendors that have been officially certified for the Meaningful Use program.
  
• State Assistance
  The Massachusetts Regional Extension Center offers subsidized consulting services for practices seeking to have their EHRs certified under the Meaningful Use program.

White Papers/Resources

• Do I qualify for the Incentive: a flowchart (.pdf, 2 pages)
  This flow chart will help you determine eligibility
  
• Registration Users Guide (.pdf, 20 pages)
  A step-by-step tutorial on how to register with CMS for the Medicare Incentive program
  
• Attestation Users Guide (.pdf, 12 pages)
  As of April 18th 2011, Eligible Providers using certified EHRs can attest to their 90 days of meaningful use in 2011 and receive their Medicare incentive. This guide leads users step by step through the process of filing.
  
• Glossary
  The ARRA presents a maze of acronyms. Our glossary will help you navigate.