Applied Radiology

As the recently announced Stage 2 Meaningful Use (MU)  proposal sinks in, folks are starting to wake up to the fact that imaging is finally being given some recognition in the MU circles. However, some are slightly disappointed that imaging was not deemed a required core component, but made an optional menu item. The proposed Stage Two Meaningful Use Criteria objectives proposes that more than 40% of scans and tests whose result is one or more images ordered by certain individuals or entities during the EHR reporting period are accessible via Certified EHR Technology. The ONC is also considering that 10% of scans accessible through Certified EHR Technology be exchanged with another provider of care.

Dr. Farzad Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, calls 2012 the “Year of Meaningful Use” – with the aim to get 100,000 healthcare providers paid under the incentive programs by year’s end. Increasing the adoption and meaningful use of healthcare IT is crucial to moving the needle towards safer, better coordinated patient-centered care. With imaging being such an integral part of the healthcare delivery paradigm, it is even more important today to ensure that the industry continues to get pushed to be more inclusive of imaging and image sharing – for this is the essence of improving coordination of care.