I am a bit surprised the CMS Chief Andy Slavitt let the cat out of the bag when it comes to the end of meaningful use. Not because it’s going to end, but because the replacement for it has not been spelled out. Want to upset the medical community? Put out a statement that “changes are coming and we will get back to you in a few months”. In my opinion, it would be best to make the announcement, and then lay out the plan. When you put a system in place, and provide incentives to follow that system, it’s would seem to me that you would want to fully explain the replacement.

In the days following the announcement, I have been reading most articles to try to get a glimpse of what the future holds for CMS and physicians. Most of this will be discussed at HIMSS16 however I don’t think it will be possible to have all of the healthcare world get a grasp on the changes.

The one thing I do like about this is the new “mantra” so to speak is that the focus will be on quality, and not technology. I like that concept, however who made it about technology in the first place? I still believe technology allows quality, but I am a technology geek, so my opinion probably doesn’t count.

I will continue to keep up on this because I find it fascinating. I applaud our government for the efforts in trying to improve our broken healthcare system. There is no quick fix. There never was. Let’s hope that whatever they come up with is agreeable to all.

 

Sheryl Cherico, CEO