Has Meaningful Use Lost Its Utility For Physicians?

Now seems to be the time for physicians to evaluate their participation in the Meaningful Use program. After all, we're on the brink of leaving the carrot-only incentive phase and entering the penalty phase for those providers who don't meet federal requirements.

On the surface, the water appears fine. Electronic health record adoption rates are at their highest. A recent SK&A report determined that EHR use among physicians is up 10 percent from last year, and now at 61 percent overall. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also recently reported that the Meaningful Use program is making "exciting progress."

What's more, physicians are in favor of EHRs, in concept. According to a recent RAND Health report, the physicians surveyed found EHRs beneficial in providing them with remote access to records and in improving the quality of care provided. They also are "optimistic" about the future of EHRs...