CHIME Weighs in on Meaningful Use Definition

ANN ARBOR, MI - The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) provided its statement on the definition of “meaningful use of health information technology” to a hearing of the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, an advisory body to the Department of Health and Human Services. Compliance with this definition will determine whether hospitals and group practices qualify for Medicare and Medicaid financial incentives under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

As the premier professional group for healthcare information executives, CHIME serves as a voice for those who will implement health IT systems to improve patient care. Members are providing a realistic approach to the steps that must be taken to ensure electronic medical records are implemented in a way that will be most beneficial for clinicians and patients.

CHIME recommends:

• The use of quality metrics and outcomes regardless of technology in place


• A phased approach to encourage early adoption without raising the bar too high too early


• Exploring alternative means to connectivity in the short term and connection to an HIE over time


• Consideration of alternative means to use of CCD for exchange of health data