Question

This module discussed national priorities for health care and how meaningful use strategies could help move these efforts forward.

• Explain meaningful use and the implementation stages of meaningful use.
• Discuss how meaningful use and patient portals have or can directly help you and your family achieve more positive health outcomes.
• Discuss how meaningful use can promote public health?

Answer 1

1 Meaningful use is using electronic health records in a meaningful manner which include,but is not limited to electronically capturing health information in a coded format,using that information to track key clinical conditions,communicating that information to help co-ordinate care.

Meaningful use stages include

Stage 1 Data capture and sharing ,electronic capturing of health information in a coded format.Using electronically captured health information to track key clinical conditions and communicate information for care coordination process.

Stage 2 Advance clinical processes,more rigorous health information exchange.Increased requirements for e-prescribing and incorporating lab results.

Step 3 Improved outcomes,promoting investments in quality,safety and efficiency.clinical decision support for national high-priority conditions.

2 Due to liability and privacy concerns patients and families were not given access to their own medical history and records.But the use of information system like patient portals for sharing PHI with patients makes it an integral part of health care system.Patient portals offers a sophisticated platform which provide coordinated care across medical practices which empowers patients through self-education and monitoring of their own health conditions,allowing them to more informed decision making.

3 Through meaningful use of EHR technology providers can

• Improve quality,safety,efficiency and reduce health disparities.
• Engage patients and family .
• Improve care coordination and population and public health.