MU Stage 2 Final Rule Elicits Few Cheers

The concerns extend to cost, the availability of software, and privacy rules, explains Susan Turney, MD, president and CEO of the Medical Group Management Association and the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

The pressure to meet fast-approaching deadlines in 2013 and 2014 presents a challenge to vendors. And because vendor capacity is low and demand is high, costs may rise.

Turney notes that incorporating portal functionality could be a challenge because it will not be available from all EHR vendors. Eligible professionals might need to contract with an outside vendor for portal functionality and absorb the additional cost of the portal and the necessary software.

"We are also concerned about the potential for data breaches," she explains. "While comprehensive portals are becoming more common with large healthcare institutions, smaller group practices typically do not have the infrastructure to maintain and support this type of portal. It will require practice workflow to be significantly modified."