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ACC Reacts to CMS' Proposed Rule for Meaningful Use Stage 3
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March 20, 2015 -- Washington, DC -- American College of Cardiology President Kim Allan Williams Sr., M.D., FACC, released the following statement on today's announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding Meaningful Use Stage 3:
"The American College of Cardiology has long supported the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) as a mechanism for improving patient outcomes. The EHR Incentive Program as currently structured has been focused more on 'checking the box' than changing care delivery to achieve the goal of improved patient care.
"Although the ACC is still reviewing the proposed regulations, the College is concerned by the proposal to require all providers, even first-time participants, to report for a full calendar year, as well as proposals to require all participants to immediately begin participation in Stage 3 starting in 2018, rather than allowing participants to proceed through the Stages in a progressive fashion.
"Implementing an EHR system in a physician practice or a hospital is not as simple as flipping a switch; it takes time, financial investment, careful consideration and planning, as well as education for all staff. The program must take this learning curve into consideration."
The American College of Cardiology is a 49,000-member medical society that is the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team. The mission of the College is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College operates national registries to measure and improve care, provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet stringent qualifications. For more information, visit acc.org.
Source: American College of Cardiology
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