It sure looks that way.
The federal government has announced that it will ease up on meaningful use reporting requirements for EHR Incentive Programs.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated a desire to reduce the reporting burden for providers and hospitals.
The changes are being made to the August 29 final rule for Stage 2 meaningful use, which initially contained a 365 day reporting period.
CMS proposed a new rulemaking that could shorten the 2015 meaningful use reporting period to 90 days.
Provider groups took a joint stand last September by co-signing a letter to CMS requesting that reporting periods be shortened. They requested a shift from 365 days to a 90-day EHR reporting period. The provider group letter stated that it would allow providers time to continue transitioning, without having to drop out of the program.
Additional changes to the rule are also being considered.
CMS has also indicated that it is considering:
- Realigning hospital reporting periods to the calendar year, which would allow more time to incorporate 2014 edition software; and
- Modifying other aspects of the programs to match long-term goals, reduce complexity, and lessen reporting burdens.
Physicians, hospitals and industry groups alike have reacted positively to the news. The shorter reporting period will allow the program to move forward.
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