"I would say meaningful use stage 1, which is the most mature, has been very successful," National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo, MD, told attendees at the Crimson Clinical Advantage Summit 2014 Thursday, according to a report in InformationWeek.
Dr. DeSalvo cited the widespread adoption of electronic health records and other infrastructure as evidence the first stage had met its goals. However, she acknowledged there are challenges ahead, especially with regards to data exchange and interoperability, according to the report.
"The walled garden is a first step, but without the data following the patient, we're missing the opportunity as a nation of dealing with a major national priority... It's missing a chance for clinicians to really step up and do the kind of care they really want to do," said Dr. DeSalvo, according to the report.
These challenges can be most acutely seen in providers' current struggles with meaningful use stage 2, of which data exchange with outside providers is a requirement. Halfway through the 2014 reporting period, just four hospitals have successfully attested.
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