It’s time for our weekly roundup of health IT news and this week there was an obvious theme — the pressures of Meaningful Use / MIPS and ICD-10 are getting real. There were several letters composed and changes requested this week. It seems health IT staff are anticipating the reality of Stage 2 and ICD-10 conversion requirements and are responding with suggested extensions, refined rules and requests for additional support.  

Requests for Meaningful Use / MIPS Stage 2 Timeline Extensions

There is a lot of work on the horizon for healthcare IT stakeholders. Considering the requirements for Stage 2 and the transition to ICD-10, healthcare advocacy groups, CIOs and CMIOs spoke up this week on their opinions and recommendations for extending the timelines of the EHR Incentive Program. Representatives presented their positions during a July 23 hearing held by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC).

Massachusetts Docs Required to Be Proficient in Meaningful Use / MIPS to Hold License

Doctors licensed in Massachusetts will have to show proficiency in Meaningful Use / MIPS standards by 2015. This worries doctors who are not fully participating in the federal incentive program. This week, the Massachusetts Medical Society approached the Board of Registration in Medicine with their concerns and proposed a broader interpretation of the rule in an effort to mitigate the impact of the requirement.

As the ICD-10 Deadline Approaches, Fears Increase Over Cash Flow Disruption 

ICD-10 will likely cause serious disruption to the revenue cycle. This is beginning to distress providers. This week, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) President and CEO sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The letter communicated these concerns and requested more ICD-10 testing to be done with external trading partners in order to minimize disruptions.

CIOs and Information Systems Directors See Pay Increases

With hospitals’ plates overflowing, it’s not surprising that IT demands and salaries are on the rise. A report was released this week that discussed the increase in pay and demand. The specialized skills required to meet demands like the upcoming transition to ICD-10 are critical to the success of these programs and require a lot of money and time.

 A Little ICD-10 Humor

You didn’t think it was possible, did you? Below is a humorous look at some of the ICD-10 codes you could encounter.

Lastly, if you’re in the majority and are behind on your transition to ICD-10, let us know. We’re offering a Free ICD-10 assessment to help hospitals kickstart their conversion efforts.