What is Meaningful Use?
As authorized by the Stimulus Plan, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide reimbursement incentives for physicians and hospital providers who are successful in becoming Meaningful Users of an EHR. Incentive payments begin in 2011 and will gradually phase down. By 2015, providers are expected to have adopted and be actively utilizing an EHR in compliance with the Meaningful Use definition—or they will be subject to financial penalties under Medicare.