by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Sep 26th, 2014 - Reviewed/Updated Jan 30th
MEASURE COMPLIANCE - Meeting the Patient Electronic Access Objective
Starting in 2014, CMS requires that providers participating in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Programs must meet the Patient Electronic Access objective, which gives patients access to their health information in a timely manner. Providers participating in Stage 1 are required to meet one patient electronic access measure, and providers participating in Stage 2 need to meet two measures.
Measure #1 for Stage 1 and Stage 2:
• Eligible Professionals: More than 50 percent of all unique patients seen during the reporting period are provided online access to their health information within 4 business days after the information is available to the eligible professional. See the specification sheet for exclusion.
• Eligible Hospitals: More than 50 percent of all unique patients discharged from the inpatient or emergency departments during the reporting period have their information available online within 36 hours of discharge. See the specification sheet for exclusion.
Measure #2 for Stage 2:
• Eligible Professionals: More than 5 percent of all unique patients (or their authorized representatives) seen during the reporting period view online download of, or transmit to a third party, their health information. See the specification sheet for the exclusion
• Eligible Hospitals: More than 5 percent of all unique patients (or their authorized representatives) who are discharged from the inpatient or emergency department view, download or transmit their information to a third party during the EHR reporting period. See the specification sheet for exclusion.
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.