New Medicare rules now require dialysis centers to provide patients with EMRs, in addition to an individualized plan and defibrillators in every unit. CMS is telling the centers that the new rules shouldn't cost the facilities more money than they're already laying out, because other Medicare rules--such as requirements for a long-term care plan--are being eliminated. To our knowledge, this is something of a turning point for the agency; while it has done a lot to push e-prescribing (see related story) we don't know of any other circumstances where it has required providers to use an EMR.
To learn more about Medicare's plans:
- read this iHealthBeat piece [1]
ALSO: After several months of deliberation, CMS released its final standards on e-prescribing. The rules don't require providers to use the technology, but do mandate that providers use the standards if they move ahead. Article [2]
Related Article:
CMS approves Part D e-prescribing. Report [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2008/4/4/Dialysis-Centers-Required-To-Use-EHRs-Under-Medicare-Rules.aspx?topicID=53
[2] http://www.healthcareitnews.com/story.cms?id=8964
[3] http://www.fiercehealthit.com/story/cms-approves-part-d-e-prescribing-standards/2007-04-23