09/28/2013    Michael L. Brody, DPM

Fewer Certified EHRs for Stage 2 May Pose Problems for Docs

The report is mostly correct. But it is important
to clear up a few points. First, Software is not
being certified for Stage 2. Software is being
certified for 2014. In 2014, providers must use
2014 certified software whether they are at Stage
1 or Stage 2. That means that even is you
currently have software that is "Certified for
Stage 1" you will not be able to use that version
in 2014 for the second year of Stage 1.

Second, in 2014 you only need to meet Meaningful
Use for either:

• A Calendar Quarter (January - March, April -
June, July - September, or October - December) If
you are in your second or later year of Meaningful
Use
• 90 Consecutive days if 2014 is your first year
of Meaningful Use.

This shortened period it so allow software
developers the time to get the programs certified
and allow you time to learn how to utilize the new
features that are required for meeting Stage 2.

Most providers will find that the change from
Stage 1 to Stage 2 is much less dramatic than
moving from paper records to EHR, as many of the
changes from Stage 1 to Stage 2 are incremental.
Sammy EHR (ICS Software) will be 2014 Certified
for both Stage 1 and Stage 2 users. Software are
building many new tools to support ICD-10, Pay for
Performance, Risk Management, and Quality
Reporting to enable providers to take full
advantage of various programs available for
reimbursement.

Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY,
mbrody@tldsystems.com

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