Meaningful Use Dead or Alive!

So what is the fate of Meaningful Use? Is it dead or is it alive? There were some strong statements made over the past few weeks. It was a little chaotic and at times confusing. However, what it did do was bring a few key issues to the forefront. Meaningful Use has achieved what it hoped to achieve at the onset-to increase the installation, implementation and utilization of the electronic health record. The goal was to make healthcare digital. The numbers tell a good story. Depending upon overall size of hospital, between 94 and 99% have installed a certified electronic health record while nearly 75% of physicians have adopted a certified electronic record. (Source-HealthIT.gov Dashboards) In the early stages of Meaningful Use, stage 1 focused on implementation and stage 2 focused on sharing information. There has been success! While stage 3 was focused on outcomes, there was no tie to the payment system other than the MU incentives and penalties.

Now that health information is digital, it is time to use that information to define outcomes and use it to improve health. Further alignment of care and reimbursement needs to occur. Through MACRA, there are merit payment systems in place that will promote and tie reimbursement to exceptional clinical care. Although physicians have adopted EHRs, they have often been a burden by requiring hours and dollars that are taken away from patient interaction and care. There is now a shift back to the practice of medicine. By removing some the MU restrictions and requirements, software developers will have the opportunity to develop apps and analytic tools in collaboration with clinicians that will support physician practices and workflow. Restructure of practice by physicians via technology will promote creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. 

These changes will take time but they are in the right direction. The time is right! By focusing on clinical care, physicians will get to do what they love most-take care of people and make a difference. Maybe by adding a fourth dimension to the triple aim, clinician satisfaction, engaged physicians will become drivers of change rather than casualties of change! 

Dr. Wesp is currently the Executive Clinical Strategist for Jacobus Consulting based in Irvine, CA. and adjunct professor at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

Dr. Wesp graduated from Rutgers University-NJ Medical School, completed residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, and is a lifetime member of the American Association for Physician Leadership.