Question FAQ #8908: How does a provider attest to a meaningful use objective (e.g., the “transitions of care,” “view/download patient data,” and public health objectives) where the provider electronically transmits data using technical capabilities provided by a health information exchange?
Updated Answer: Several meaningful use objectives require eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to conduct electronic transmissions. In general, eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and CAHs may use an HIE’s services or technology to meet a particular meaningful use objective if the HIE technology used by the eligible professional, eligible hospital, or CAH has been certified to support that objective. Read the complete answer here.
Question FAQ #3077: If an EP sees a patient in a setting that does not have certified EHR technology but enters all of the patient’s information into certified EHR technology at another practice location, can the patient be counted in the numerators and denominators of meaningful use measures for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs?
Updated Answer: Starting in 2013, an EP must have access to Certified EHR Technology at a location in order to include patients seen in locations in the determination of whether they meet the threshold of 50% of patient encounters at locations equipped with Certified EHR Technology to be eligible for the EHR Incentive Program. Read the complete answer here.
Question FAQ #8896: When new versions of CQM specifications are released by CMS, do developers of EHR technology need to seek retesting/recertification of their certified complete EHR or certified EHR module in order to keep its certification valid?
Update Answer: No. The minimum version required for 2014 Edition certification is the version of CQM specifications released by CMS in December 2012. EHR technology that has been issued a certification based on the December 2012 version will remain certified even when CMS releases new versions of CQM specifications. Read the complete answer here.
Question FAQ #8898: If EHR technology “Product A” is already certified to the December 2012 CQM specifications, can it be updated to include CMS updated June 2013 specifications without seeking retesting/recertification?
Updated Answer: Yes, you can update the EHR technology “Product A” to the new version of the CQM specifications without seeking additional testing and certification unless it is relabeled. Read the complete answer here.
Question FAQ #8900: If EHR technology is not yet certified to CQM criteria (45 CFR 170.314(c)(1) through (3)), can the EHR technology be tested and certified to only the newest available version of the CQM specifications or must it be tested and certified to the December 2012 specifications (first or as well)?
Updated Answer: Yes, EHR technology may be presented for testing and certification to only newest CQM specifications. We strongly encourage EHR technology developers to test and certify to the newest CQMs specifications as they become available since those updates include new codes, logic corrections and clarifications. Read the complete answer here.
See more CMS Updated FAQs published on next pages.