For Stage 2 MU, Don't Assume Vendors Have You Covered

A packed house at the Meaningful Use Symposium held March 3 at the 2013 HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition couldn't help but inspire awe and possibly conjure a little concern in the hearts of those attending. 

How could an incentive program, issued just a few short years ago, have as many nuances and intricacies as federal tax code? Yet that's what came to mind as extremely adept speaker Robin Raiford, research director on meaningful use for the Advisory Board Company, disseminated rapid-fire information at rapt attendees of her section of the symposium, titled "Meaningful Use Stage 2–Ready or Not, Here it Comes!"

One of her messages was, "don't procrastinate," deadlines are looming. This was closely followed by "talk to your vendors." Don't just assume your vendor is preparing you for compliance with Stage 2, Raiford said. Get the checklists, ask questions, be closely involved, lest you are caught unaware...