MGMA: ARRA Could Fail if Not Executed Properly

The Englewood, Colo.-based Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) sent a letter to David Blumenthal, M.D., National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, warning that if ARRA is not developed and administered appropriately, a large number of providers will fail to achieve “meaningful use” and will not qualify for the incentives.

The letter included the following recommendations aimed at improving the EHR incentive programs:

· Using only those meaningful use administrative criteria that are appropriate and achievable;

· Instituting a process to permit physicians to test their reporting systems prior to their “go-live” date; and

· Permitting flexibility in achieving meaningful use and avoiding a “pass/fail” approach.