The fine print behind recording patient vitals, demographics and smoking status

Why This Topic Matters

Practices seeking EHR incentive payment need to understand which patient-data collection measures apply, how they fit into everyday workflows, and when exclusions may be available. The article helps readers assess whether their specialty, patient mix, or EHR process affects compliance with these core requirements.

Article Sections

1. Meaningful use guide, measures 7, 8 and 9

   Introduces the three patient-data collection measures discussed in the article and places them within the broader meaningful use framework.

2. Measure 7: Demographics collection workflow

   Covers broad approaches to gathering patient demographic information and notes common workflow considerations for staff and forms.

3. Measure 8: Vital signs and possible exclusions

   Addresses the measure involving routine vital-sign collection, including the types of practices that may consider an exclusion and how EHR systems may support reporting.

4. Measure 9: Smoking status documentation

   Summarizes the smoking-status measure and discusses general documentation and update practices across visits.