Public Health Reporting Options
Good day, everyone! (Not from Britain, just hoping whatever day/time it is, it’s good for you!)
Today let’s talk about the measure that has everyone stressing to the max: PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTING. This is part 2 of a 3 part blog series on MU. If you didn’t catch the first post, you can read it here.
Let’s start with the basics. I’ve linked the CMS regulatory mumbo jumbo for you to look over, but I’ll also summarize to make it a little easier.
I recommend starting with measure one and working your way down the list to find measures that your practice can meet.
Immunizations
So your practice gives immunizations. GREAT – register with the state within the first 60 days of the reporting period and make sure your interface is running. BOOM – one public health measure met. If your practice doesn’t give immunizations, then go on to the next option.
Syndromic Surveillance
Most of you are probably thinking “what does that even mean?” Basically, it’s another interface you will need with your state to send data based on criteria they are looking for. Some states are ready for this but a majority of them are not. Check with your individual state to see if you’re eligible.
SIDE NOTE: I would not recommend selecting this measure even if your state is accepting for your specialty. CMS has removed this measure from the Stage 3 list of objectives all together. This means you would do all the set up and planning for one or two years, then have to start all over again with a different measure when you hit stage 3.
Specialized Registries
So the last and final choice would be selecting a specialized registry. These are normally controlled by academies and are aimed toward a certain specialty. However, there are several registries that appeal to multiple specialties. EPs can report to two different specialized registries and meet this measure if immunizations and syndromic surveillance are out of their scope of practice.
Best of luck, and give us a call if you need help figuring out your plans!
