Key health IT definition expected soon

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's number-two man, Charles Friedman, told industry members that an official definition of the term "meaningful use" of health information technology is "in the works" and they should expect its release "in the not too distant future."

"Meaningful use" refers to the criteria the government will use to determine whether to pay providers for adopting the technology, Modern Healthcare reports.

He offered a preview definition to attendees at the conference of Government Health IT, the publication of an industry advocacy and lobbying group: "In Friedman's definition, a 'meaningful user' is someone who uses a certified electronic health record, exchanges health information, and reports on quality measures" (Lubell, 6/4).