CMS Plans Flexibility With MU Requirements
Though the deadline for Meaningful Use Stage 2 will not be extended, CMS plans to be more flexible with healthcare providers
CMS plans on being more flexible with healthcare providers as they attempt to meet Meaningful Use (MU) Stage 2, but it does not plan on extended the deadline. According to Family Practices News, "Physicians have been seeking more leeway from CMS on participating in MU this year, in part because they must purchase or upgrade to the 2014 edition of certified EHR technology, and in part because they must get ready to switch over to the ICD-10 coding set on Oct. 1."
Less than a month ago, physician organizations wrote a letter to HHS asking for an extension to the current deadline. The letter stated, "Providers need adequate time to learn how to use the newly deployed technology, including examining staff assignments, workflows, and practice processes. If providers move forward, as dictated by the current policy, our concerns regarding rushed implementations are heightened. Furthermore, we believe the ‘all or nothing’ approach – where missing a single objective by even a small amount results in failure for the program year – compounds our concerns." The letter specifically asks that HHS:
- Extend the timelines providers have to implement 2014 Edition Certified EHR software and meet the Program requirements (Stages 1 and 2) through 2015;
- Add flexibility in Meaningful Use requirements to permit as many providers as possible to achieve success in the program.
Despite the physician’s please, MU Stage 2 will go on as planned without any more extensions. FierceHealthIT reports CMS announced it “would be more flexible about providing hardship exemptions for providers and vendors truly struggling to meet the incentive program's requirements."
CMS administrator Marilyn Tavenner reasoned the program has already been delayed as long as possible. She is aware of the numerous concerns regarding the program, and assures providers CMS is also concerned saying, "Now is not the time for us to stop moving forward. We understand providers and vendors have legitimate issues. We will work with you on exemptions, and we're glad to offer flexibility."