ASA Continues to Urge CMS to Make Changes to Meaningful Use Incentive Program

In a formal comment letter, ASA urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to make changes to the Meaningful Use Stage 2 proposed rule. As written, the proposed rule still does not adequately address the modifications needed for anesthesiologists to participate in the incentive program.  Currently, a majority of anesthesiologists are deemed eligible for the incentive, but are unable to successfully satisfy the meaningful use criteria due to the nature of anesthesiology practices and the ways in which anesthesiologists use Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.

ASA expressed concern that despite Congressional intent anesthesiologists are not deemed a hospital based eligible professional as defined by the regulations. ASA has continued to recommended criteria that would allow anesthesiologists to participate, or alternatively, that anesthesiologists be able to apply for a hardship exemption.

ASA has repeatedly advocated these concerns to CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) on several occasions over the past several years and will continue to actively seek the necessary modifications for anesthesiologist participation.

Review ASA’s communication to the proposed rule on Meaningful Use Stage 2.
Review ASA's Anaylsis and Recommendations for Meaningful Use Requirements.