DDF Following the HITECH Act

HITECH Act Summary

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act). A major component of the Recovery Act is its emphasis on improving health information technology (also known as HIT). The government believes the implementation of technology will ultimately increase the quality and reduce the cost of healthcare.

To accomplish the improvement in HIT, the Recovery Act includes payment incentives for qualifying professionals. Physicians and hospitals that are considered early adaptors of electronic health records (EHR) can become eligible to receive a significant amount of money from Medicare or Medicaid.

Documents

Stage 1 Criteria for Meaningful Use - Eligible Professionals

HITECH Facts - Eligible Professionals

Stage 1 Criteria for Meaningful Use - Hospitals

HITECH Facts - Hospitals

DDF Healthcare Update - HITECH Act December 2009

Links

CMS - Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Home

CMS - Recovery Health IT

Health Information Technology

Proposed Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs