HITPC: MU paves way for new payment models
In remarks at his final Health IT Policy Committee meeting as national coordinator for health IT, Farzad Mostashari, MD, ScM, said that the health IT capabilities required through Meaningful Use (MU) and EHR certification ultimately drive new payment systems that place value over volume.
As MU Stage 3 aims to leverage adoption (Stage 1) and interoperability (Stage 2) toward to the goal of shifting health outcomes, he says, it also helps providers meet the challenge of new payment systems, such as accountable care organizations, as well as avoid readmissions penalties.
“Those new payment models require capabilities of health IT that are widespread enough to be able to support them,” Mostashari said. “Many capabilities that we have laid the track for are exactly the same capabilities you need in these systems.”
Referencing his conversations with “the brave souls embracing the new delivery models,” he cited the increased need to access the full history of a patient, and to have that information analyzed. He also touched on the need to engage in population health management, admitting “there is a lot of uncertainly what that term means,” but said standardized protocol must be encouraged to prevent care gaps.
Mostashari lauded the work of the MU Stage 3 workgroup and reflected on progress made. “Moving forward in Stage 2, we are absolutely in the right direction. But we still have a long way to go,” he said.
One major barrier to optimizing certified EHRs remains. “It’s still too hard to get information out of the system.”
He urged greater progress in EHR adoption. “We have to dig digger, we have to optimize and get to the true intent. We need to get to a common floor of capabilities across the country.”
Mostashari also took time to thank policy committee members for their work, and lauded the diverse perspectives represented by the group, which include industry, association or consumer group backgrounds. “The key for this working is you all being able to bring the perspective of your entire community, and help find the solutions, compromises and consensus that represent the best for all.”