Indian Health Service The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives

Meaningful Use

Under the authority of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs provide financial incentives to eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals (EHs), including critical access hospitals (CAHs), as they adopt, implement, upgrade, and demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT). To participate in the EHR Incentive Programs, EPs and EHs must demonstrate that they are "meaningfully using" EHR technology by meeting specific objectives.

The programs consist of three stages, each of which has increased requirements. Learn about the specific eligibility requirements for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments.

Electronic Health Records

An electronic health record (EHR) allows healthcare providers to record and transmit patient information electronically rather than on paper. However, EHRs are capable of much more than simply serving as a repository of information. Although many IHS facilities use RPMS EHR, some facilities use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) EHRs. Learn more about the clinical and technical aspects of EHRs.