eHealth Initiative Calls for Greater Focus on HIE in Meaningful Use

The Washington, D.C.-based eHealth Initiative submitted comments on Stage 2 meaningful use objectives February 25 to the Office of the National Coordinator’s HIT Policy Committee, calling for an increased focus on health information exchange and a coordinated timeline for the rollout of Stage 2.

eHI supports the ability of eligible providers and hospitals to meet the meaningful use requirements through the use of HIE, yet Stage 2 requirements remain focused on electronic health records and do not allow providers enough room to utilize HIE as a means to meet Meaningful Use requirements.

In its comments, eHI also urged the ONC to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop a statement of guidance resolving the issue of inconsistent timelines separating the Stage 2 regulatory process and the start of Stage 2 for providers and hospitals.