HIMSS: 41% of US hospitals ready for meaningful use

The number of hospitals ready to meet Stage 1 of meaningful use jumped 16% from February to September, according to a HIMSS Analytics Report, “Summary of Meaningful Use Readiness.” In those seven months, U.S. hospitals went from 25% to 41% being well positioned. The report also indicated that more eligible hospitals are likely to succeed in meeting the criteria for this first stage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also have shown continued growth in the number of eligible hospitals moving toward or meeting Stage 1. As of Sept. 30, the CMS reported 2,215 eligible hospitals have registered for Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs; 564 hospitals (158/Medicare and 406/Medicaid) have received payment for meeting Stage 1 of meaningful use, as of this same date.