Over the years, we've found that the education on Agency Management Platforms is most often side-tracked by two words - Meaningful Use. These two words are very misleading to DD providers as they search for an all-in-one electronic record solution. It's a carrot that most DD providers will never get, reimbursement on their software platform (Certified EHRs and EMRs) from CMS. An incentive to get PCPs, Hospitals and CAHs into the 21st Century. But, CMS has ignored HCBS services in meaningful use as the requirement necessary to receive payments don't match the types of services or professionals that are usually present at provider agencies. Unfortunately, we see DD providers investing in certified EHRs and EMRs only to find out later that they will never receive reimbursement on their software from CMS. Remember, the target population for meaningful use is medical professionals. Therefore, the requirements are very much driven by medical services, workflows and qualified medical professionals. To learn more about meaningful use requirements, check out their website here: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/EHRIncentivePrograms/Meaningful_Use.html
