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Evaluation of Stage 3 Meaningful Use Objectives: Analysis in Pennsylvania and Utah

Project Final Report (PDF, 719.75 KB) Disclaimer

Project Details -
Completed

This project was one of four task order contracts awarded under the Evaluation of Stage 3 Meaningful Use (MU) Objectives request for task order (RFTO). The purpose of the RFTO was to fund rapid cycle evaluation studies of the implementation of Stage 3 MU proposed objectives of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs.

Abt Associates Inc., in partnership with Geisinger Health System and Intermountain Healthcare, evaluated select Stage 3 MU objectives and certification criteria in the Patient and Family Engagement, Care Coordination, and Interoperability domains. The purpose of the collaboration was to gain feedback on ways to enhance the feasibility and value of these objectives for Stage 3 MU participants. To gain a broader industry perspective, the project team also assembled a panel of senior information technology professionals from hospitals and health systems currently working to complete MU Stages 1 and 2.

The specific objectives of this project were to answer three research questions for each proposed MU objective:

  • How can the evaluated MU objective be improved at the policy level? 
  • What EHR innovations would support meeting the evaluated MU objective? 
  • What will increase the value for hospitals and ambulatory practices implementing the proposed Stage 3 MU objective? 

The study identified specific recommendations to improve the proposed Stage 3 MU objectives and criteria at the policy level and suggested enhancements to EHR functionality that would facilitate the implementation of the objectives. The study also identified actions and strategies that may help eligible hospitals and professionals meet Stage 3 MU objectives and criteria, as well as maximize their own benefit from implementing them.