MU 2 timeline shift; what it means for your practice?

Yet another MU 2 pushback; but is there a reason to cheer?

There seems to be a new government announcement every single week. The latest update to cause major ripples was the recent MU2 extension. As with all other healthcare updates it was received with skepticism, hope, and a whole deal of confusion.

The dust has settled now and Eligible Professionals (EP) are back to preparing for MU2. It is clear that MU2 has been extended through 2016 but there will be absolutely no shift in the start dates. But this will definitely give EPs enough time to formulate a more solid Meaningful Use plan.

Some breathing room…

2014 is going to be a trying year for physicians. Meaningful use deadlines, ICD10, and freezing on a payment model that works, there is going to be a lot on the plate. The early birds who are going to attest in 2014 will get an extra year in 2016. EHR vendors can also have enough time to better their systems and focus on the Achilles heel of most EHRs, interoperability.

More time for MU3…

The timeline shift will offer medical practices some amount of breathing space and flexibility. There will be additional time to prepare for Meaningful Use stage 3. And a wee bit more flexibility when it comes to certification.

Can the shift impact ICD 10 implementation?

Unfortunately, yes. Healthcare industry experts suggest that now there is absolutely no possibility of yet another delay to implement ICD10. October 1^st 2014 is a date set in stone according to senior health insurance specialist at CMS, Denescia Green. “This is a firm date” she said, earlier this month.

Hopes dashed!

 Physicians who were hoping for a delay in ICD 10 are in for bitter disappointment. The government cannot afford another delay, so there is going to be increased pressure on physicians to transition to the new code set. One major plus would be that practices can utilize and focus their resources, on ICD 10 alone. There wouldn’t be as many deadlines jostling for attention.

Have great staff on board?

This is one question that most practice owners forget to ask themselves. Human resources, seems to be a grossly overlooked factor. With 2014 being a rollercoaster year, not focusing on hiring or training staff, can be the perfect recipe for disaster. Most medical practices are caught up with improving their technical infrastructure and exploring new business models.

But for sustainable success and change, having the right people on board, is the only solution. So, practices can rely on trained personnel and not pushbacks for meeting deadlines.

Here’s a brief presentation on Meaningful Use for medical practice.