Meaningful Use refers to incentive programs that provide financial benefits for Eligible Professionals (EPs) that achieve specified healthcare IT objectives.

ELIGIBLE PROFESSIONALS (EPs):

• Radiologists who read > 10% out-patient studies (not Emergency Room or in-patient)
• Radiologists who work on-site as well as remotely (teleradiology)
• Radiologists who read for Medicare and/or Medicaid patients
• Radiologists who read hospital and non-hospital studies may exclude hospital studies
• Radiologists must read 50% of their studies using certified EHR technology and only required to meet objectives for those studies

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MEANINGFUL USE?

The purpose of Meaningful Use is to improve patient care by providing practitioners with access to accurate and complete information about their patients. For the patient, this means improved care and greater ability to make informed decisions about their health care. RamSoft has specifically designed software so radiologists can qualify for Meaningful Use with most objectives satisfied automatically.

FINANCIAL PAYMENTS AND PENALTIES

The following table outlines the potential incentive payments. Medicare/Medicaid billing of about $24,000 per year is required for maximum reimbursement. If EPs do not demonstrate meaningful use by 2015, penalties will commence.

The following meaningful use core and menu set objectives are defined by CMS. Please click on the plus symbol to expand the tables and learn how RamSoft's Meaningful Use Module manages the objectives that apply to radiology.

TYPES OF EHR TECHNOLOGY

• With a Complete Certified EHR (such as RamSoft PowerServer 5.1), you only require one system to meet the Meaningful Use requirements.
• Modular Certified EHR only meets a subset portion of the requirements. Providers must assemble a complete system from multiple vendors to qualify for incentive payments. It is the provider's responsibility to ensure their EHR system satisfies all requirements, so this approach is not recommended.

WHAT IS RAMSOFT DOING?

RamSoft's PowerServer 5.1 is a Complete EHR certified by ICSA Labs, an ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC_ATCB). PowerServer RIS-PACS is a complete solution for outpatient imaging centers. PowerServer Tele Plus is a complete solution for radiology groups. RamSoft's Meaningful Use Module includes support and connectivity to NewCrop, Microsoft HealthVault, and MedLinePlus Connect; all for a nominal monthly fee for each eligible radiologist.>

Please contact your RamSoft representative today to discuss your path to Meaningful Use.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR MEANINGFUL USE:

To qualify for incentive payments, meaningful use requirements must be met in the following ways:

• Medicare EHR Incentive Program — EPs that treat patients that pay with Medicare. EPs can receive up to $44,000 over five years with a 10% bonus for EPs who provide services in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HSPA).
• Medicaid EHR Incentive Program — EPs that had more than 30% of patients paying with Medicaid for 90 continuous days in the year prior to participation. EPs can receive up to $63,750 over six years.
• Implemented — Using certified EHR technology and attest to Meaningful Use in each year of Program. To get the maximum incentive payment, EPs must implement certified software by October 3, 2012.

WHERE DO I REGISTER?

REGISTER HERE: Payments will come directly from the Government. https://ehrincentives.cms.gov/hitech/login.action

WEB RESOURCES

Meaningful Use Practice Analyzer for Radiology
ACR Meaningful Use Resources

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• EP Attestation Worksheet
• Attestation User Guide
• Meaningful Use Calculator
• EHR Incentive Programs
• Medicaid Resources by State