Meaningful Use

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the new phrase that redefines how health information technology is used —“meaningful use”— puts a strong emphasis on the ability of providers to exchange information in order to receive incentives from the federal government through Medicare and Medicaid payments.

Meaningful use must be based on functional requirements that define a certified EHR, standards that allow for information exchange, and data standards with focus on e-prescribing, care coordination, and quality measurement measures

The Health Information Technology Policy Committee wants the requirements for meaningful use to be "tiered" and grow more complex each year between 2011 and 2015. After that, penalties will apply for not complying with such standards. Ideally, all providers will be held to the same standards each year.

Meaningful Use Matrix
Meaningful Use FAQ
Patient Summary Information (AKA Clinical Summary)