How Meaningful is Meaningful Use?

Not all physicians are so skeptical, however. My colleague Carrie Vaughan recently spoke with John L. Haughom, MD, who said that, "the ONC and CMS have set the bar at an appropriate level. While everyone does not agree with everything they are doing, it is very clear that the health IT agenda in the United States will be driven by the ONC agenda."

The American Medical Association has neither criticized nor praised the proposals, but says it will review them within the 60-day comment period.

Regardless of your opinion about the initial definitions, now is the time to state it. The long initial process of defining the measures for success and establishing criteria for reimbursement is coming to a close.

Soon, the focus will turn implementation and compliance. But for 60 more days, physicians have a chance to make meaningful use as meaningful as possible.