With $20 billion at stake the Federal government released two interim rules:

• Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Electronic Health Record Incentive Program
• Standards & Certification Interim Final Rule: Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Record Technology

The Electronic Health Record Incentive Program spells out the proposed terms of the the reimbursements healthcare professionals and certain entities can receive by implementing electronic health records.

The Initial Set of Standards rule discusses the concept of “meaningful use”, which is a major component of the incentive program. Healthcare entities must meet certain requirements, like sharing of information and being able to capture specific information from patients.

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• Medicare officials plan for health stimulus funds (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
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• Meaningful Use 556 Page Proposed Rule is Out – Thanks WSJ for the Shortcut to the Meat and Potatoes (ducknetweb.blogspot.com)
• Here’s the rule for meaningful use (clinicalit.blogspot.com)
• How to Get $20 Billion for Using Electronic Medical Records (blogs.wsj.com)
• Health IT Buzz – HHS Launches Healthcare Blog to Communicate with Dr. Blumenthal (ducknetweb.blogspot.com)

A call is scheduled for 5:15pm on 12/30 to discuss the IFR.

WHEN: 
Today, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time

WHERE: 
Toll-Free Dial: (800) 837-1935
Conference ID: 49047605
Pass Code: HITECH