No timeline was provided for the initiation of these changes. The 2018 criteria for these programs are already in place so any changes will probably not take effect until 2019 at the earliest. Such changes will likely require providers to make sure their EHR systems are updated to allow for data sharing. CMS will also continue its efforts to eliminate data blocking by vendors and health systems.
Another CMS priority is to empower patients by increasing ease of access to personal health care records. CMS has announced a new initiative – MyHealthEData – designed to break down the barriers that prevent patients from obtaining electronic access to their own health records. CMS has also announced the launch of Medicare’s Blue Button 2.0 – a secure way for Medicare beneficiaries to access and share health care information, prescriptions, treatments and procedures with a new doctor. Competing with CMS initiatives are players like Apple that recently announced its intent to create a medical record using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard.
The College Advocacy Council will continue to track these initiatives and keep you informed of any developments.