AMGA submits comments on proposed rule to modify Meaningful Use in 2015 through 2017

Today, the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) making recommendations on the proposed rule to modify Meaningful Use in 2015 through 2017.

AMGA comments express appreciation for many of the proposals that ease the burden of reporting requirements for some of the more operationally challenging measures, in addition to formally proposing a 90-day reporting period, instead of a one-year reporting period, for 2015. AMGA has been advocating for this change since last year.

AMGA's letter also states that the healthcare information technology infrastructure must be strengthened to support increased requirements for data transmission in the years ahead, in addition to expressing concern about the increases in compliance thresholds proposed for Stage 3, which was also included in recent comments in response to the Stage 3 proposed rule.

Donald W. Fisher, Ph.D., CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMGA, stated, "AMGA has always supported the goals of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, and our members have eagerly embraced these goals, despite the operational challenges they have presented. This proposed rule reflects that CMS has been sensitive to the struggles that the healthcare industry has had with Meaningful Use by simplifying some of the reporting requirements through 2017, which our members greatly appreciate."