What does 'Meaningful Use' refer to?

Meaningful Use refers specifically to a set of standards defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that incentivize healthcare providers to use electronic health records (EHRs) in ways that improve patient care and healthcare delivery. The initiative was a key component of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which aimed to promote the meaningful adoption of EHRs across the healthcare landscape.

The primary goal of Meaningful Use is to enhance the quality of care, increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. It establishes criteria for EHR technology and meaningful engagement in data sharing, clinical practices, and patient safety measures. Providers who meet these standards can receive financial incentives, supporting the transition from paper-based records to digital health technologies, thereby streamlining access to patient information.

By focusing on the combination of technology use and improvement in patient care, Meaningful Use plays a critical role in moving towards value-based care delivery rather than merely focusing on cost reduction, treatment guidelines, or reimbursement strategies.