Poll: Stage 2 Readiness Varies Among Hospital Administrators

Hospital and health system administrators’ confidence about their  organization’s readiness to meet Stage 2 meaningful use requirements varies,  according to a KPMG Healthcare & Life Sciences Institute poll, Healthcare IT News reports.

Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who  demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record  systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.

The poll — which was conducted during a November webcast — included 140  respondents.

Findings on Stage 2 Readiness

According to the poll:

• 47% of respondents said they are somewhat confident about their  organization’s readiness to meet Stage 2 requirements;
• 36% said they are confident about their organization’s readiness;
• 11% said they are not aware of their organization’s level of readiness; and
• 4% said they are not confident at all about their organization’s  readiness.

Findings on Barriers to Meeting Stage 2 Requirements

When asked about the biggest challenges to meeting Stage 2 requirements:

• 29% of respondents cited training and management changes;
• 19% cited a lack of monitoring processes to help ensure sustained  demonstration of meaningful use;
• 19% cited capturing the relevant data electronically as part of clinical  workflow;
• 12% cited the lack of a dedicated meaningful use team; and
• 6% cited the limited availability of vendors that have appropriate certified  technology.

According to the poll, 14% of respondents cited other reasons as the biggest  challenge to meeting Stage 2 requirements.

Findings on Ability To Comply With HIPAA Privacy and  Security Standards

When asked about their organizations’ ability to comply with HIPAA privacy  and security regulations:

• 47% of respondents said they are somewhat comfortable;
• 31% said they are comfortable;
• 13% said they are unsure about their level of comfort; and
• 8% said they are not at all comfortable (McCann, Healthcare IT News,  12/20).

Source: iHealthBeat

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