CMS and ONC released proposed and interim regulations on meaningful use and EHR certification late yesterday as the year wound down.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a 556-page notice of proposed rulemaking defining the “meaningful use” of EHRs and describing the provisions governing the incentive programs. [January 13 update: official publication occurred in the Federal Register today.]

The program details, discussed and anticipated through much of the year, enable vendors and providers to begin working toward eligibility for EHR adoption and use incentives described in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Payments to eligible providers begin in late 2010.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released an interim final rule describing related requirements and technical specifications for EHR technology. Providers must use certified EHRs to participate in the incentive program. The releases were announced in a joint CMS-ONC press conference late yesterday due to their close connection. [January 13 update: official publication occurred in the Federal Register today.]

ONC’s interim final rule will go into effect 30 days from its official publication in the Federal Register. The CMS notice is a proposal, intended to solicit public comment before rulemaking progresses. Publication of both is expected by mid-January. (more…)

The AHIMA Board of Directors announced Tuesday that it has selected Alan F. Dowling, PhD, to serve as CEO of the American Health Information Management Association.

Dowling has more than 35 years experience in health informatics, with a broad-based background that includes information systems leadership, hospital and academic experience, and corporate and nonprofit work. He will take office on January 13, 2010.

“Dr. Dowling has a deep understanding of the complexity of issues facing our association, our members, and our industry as a whole,” said AHIMA president Vera Rulon, in a press release. “His experience in the areas of health information and informatics and healthcare delivery systems gives him a keen insight into what will be vital to the next decade of health information management and technology. He is the ideal person for the job ahead.” (more…)

Confusion and disagreement about the proper use of consultation codes has persisted since their development in 1990. Now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a solution: cancel them.

CMS finalized its decision to eliminate the use of all consultation codes with the exception of telehealth consultation G codes. CMS will not reimburse for consultation codes submitted on Medicare claims beginning January 1, 2010. Physicians should cease submitting consultation codes on their Medicare claims and employ the appropriate visit code in their place.

CMS published the change in the Medicare physician fee schedule updates for 2010. Read more in the latest issue of AHIMA CodeWrite e-newsletter.