Requirements (Modified Stage 2)
The requirements to successfully demonstrate meaningful use were revised in the Final Rule, Stage 3 and Modifications to Meaningful Use in 2015 through 2017, published on October 6, 2015. According to CMS, the changes were made in response to feedback from all stakeholders (including providers and EHR vendors), with the goal of simplifying the program, reducing the burden on providers, and focusing on the more advanced use of EHRs, e.g., interoperability and quality reporting—the original intentions of the program.
Stage 2 is characterized by:
- Increased interoperability and exchange of data between providers and with patients
- Increased patient engagement in care
- Higher thresholds and more complex requirements
- Continued exclusions for some measures that may not be relevant to particular specialties or practice types
- Clinical quality measure reporting
All providers report “Modified Stage 2”:
Beginning in 2015, all providers are considered to be at “Modified Stage 2”, with some accommodations (reduced thresholds and/or alternate exclusions) available to providers who were previously scheduled for Stage 1 in 2015, so that they do not have to meet requirements that they were not anticipating. Fewer such accommodations are available in 2016, and they will no longer be offered to new program participants from 2017 on.
Stage of Meaningful Use Criteria by First Year and Reporting Duration
First Year Demonstrating Meaningful Use |
Stage of Meaningful Use |
||||
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 and on |
|
2011 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2012 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2013 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2014 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2015 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2016 |
NA |
Modified Stage 2 |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2017 |
NA |
NA |
Modified Stage 2 Calendar year |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2018 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Stage 3* |
Stage 3* |
2019 and on |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Stage 3* |
*Subject to finalization of the Stage 3 Rule
The table is a brief overview of EHR Incentive Programs In 2016 and 2017 Objectives and Measures for Eligible Professionals
2016 | 2017 | ||
Objectives | Stage 2 | Scheduled Stage 1 (Accommodations*) |
Stage 2 |
Protect Patient Health Information | Conduct Security Risk Analysis | Conduct Security Risk Analysis | Conduct Security Risk Analysis |
Clinical Decision Support (CDS) |
1: 5 CDSs related to >=4 CQMs |
1: 5 CDSs related to >=4 CQMs |
1: 5 CDSs related to >=4 CQMs |
CPOE |
1:>60% Medications |
1:>60% Medications |
1:>60% Medications |
Electronic Prescribing | >50% | >50% | >50% |
Health Information Exchange | >10% transitions: Summary of Care Sent Electronically | >10% transitions: Summary of Care Sent Electronically | |
Patient Specific Education | >10% | >10% | >10% |
Medication Reconciliation | >50% | >50% | >50% |
Patient Electronic Access (VDT) |
1:Access >50% |
1:Access >50% 2:VDT 1 Patient |
1:Access >50% |
Secure Messaging | 1 Patient | 1 Patient | 1 Patient |
Public Health Reporting | Submit Electronically to 2 Registries | Submit Electronically to 2 Registries | Submit Electronically to 2 Registries |
Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs) | 9 CQMs over 3 Domains | 9 CQMs over 3 Domains | 9 CQMs over 3 Domains |
*Exclusions available for some measures based on low volume, lack of relevance to practice, low broadband access.
**CMS FAQ #12985 (10/21/15) provides additional registry measure exclusions for 2015.
A more detailed description of the Modified Stage 2 objectives and measures for 2015, 2016, and 2017, including potential exclusions, can be found on the CMS website: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Programs section.