Hi Anthony: A quick reaction or counter to your prediction. I think the bar will come down, but will it be enough or perhaps stated differently will it provide enough flexibility particularly for the states and variances among providers. Perhaps this is more of a nuance, but I believe CMS understands the challenges of the states and ONC realizes, along with the Policy Committee, that they were overly ambitious. Determining the right balance on a significant new program is not a simple task and the best gauge is if everyone is a little bit uncomfortable.
I’m enjoying your weekly and appreciate the bolder positioning even when I don’t agree.
Warmest Regards,
Shannah Koss
In response to:
Dear HIT Professional,
Did you think it was going to be a quiet post-HIMSS recovery week? I did. I certainly needed one. But I apparently forgot that the Meaningful Use NPRM comment period is closing in only a few short days. As such, the letters are being published left and right, as you can see in our “In Other News … ” section. Of course, I think you’ll also be able to quickly pick up on the common theme in those letters — the bar has been set far too high.
Will HHS/CMS/ONC listen to the voices of the industry? Will the bar be significantly lowered before the NPRM becomes an IFR? My prediction is that it will not be. Those in a position to control such matters see this as their one chance to change healthcare overnight, and they’re not going to be swayed by a few letters. Unfortunately, that bar will only come down when the GAO examines the books after Stage 1 monies are paid out and realizes that, for once, the government hasn’t overspent its budget — quite the opposite.
Regardless of what happens down the road, I’m impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the comment letters, and with the overall engagement of the industry in this process. So it looks like the post-HIMSS week that could have been one of rest wasn’t that at all, and we’ve all gone back to work much faster than anyone thought.
Have a wonderful week!
Anthony Guerra
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