More and more hospitals are developing the capability to show meaningful use of electronic health records. HIMSS Analytics defines 44 percent of respondents to its continuing survey as "likely" or "most likely" to meet Stage 1 Meaningful Use criteria. Of the 999 hospitals that have responded to the survey since May 2010, 25 percent already can meet 10 of the 14 core measures and at least five of the menu items required for meaningful use.
By comparison, in the survey that the research arm of HIMSS conducted just before the final meaningful use rule was issued last July, 22 percent of the hospitals said they could meet at least 10 of the core criteria.
Of the 442 hospitals that responded to the survey since finalization of the criteria, 27 percent expect to achieve all 14 core measures and at least five of the menu metrics by May 2012, when the survey ends. That would entitle them to receive government incentives for meaningful use.
HIMSS Analytics expects these percentages to increase as the deadline approaches for full compliance with Stage 1 of Meaningful Use. To get the full amount of federal incentives, hospitals must meet the criteria (all 14 core measures) and five or more menu items by Sept. 30, 2012.
To learn more:
- see the HIMSS press release
- read this BNET Healthcare piece on the earlier HIMSS survey