05 Mar Big money in stimulus package for HIT users, but prepare now, experts say
WASHINGTON – The economic stimulus package has allotted $17.2 billion to reward Medicare and Medicaid providers who can prove they are using certified healthcare IT “in a meaningful way.”
The incentives are scheduled to take effect starting Oct. 1, 2011. Experts say providers should not waste time getting prepared because there is a shortage of change management experts available to help.
According to Dave Garets, president and CEO HIMSS Analytics, 94 percent of hospitals currently don’t have enough healthcare IT in place to meet the stipulations required to receive bonuses. Under the new law, they must prove “meaningful use,” which will require capturing certain data.
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