MU Website Not Ready For Flexibility Rule

fsgl wrote on Monday, September 01, 2014:

Despite the statement that Stage 1 criteria can be used for 2014, the website is not up to speed.

Instead of the usual Step 6 webpage which asks for start and end dates for the reporting period, the first part of attestation assumes that Stage 2 criteria are being applied. The process stops abruptly stating that the 2011 EHR Certification number is wrong.

The EHR Incentive Program Information Center has a recorded message that the proposed rule using Stage 1 criteria is in the “clearance phase” and no information is known when the rule will be finalized.

Will speak to a live person at the Information Center to determine if additional information is available. There appears to be no additional information on the CMS website.

fsgl wrote on Tuesday, September 02, 2014:

The proposed rule was not finalized until last Friday, 8/29/14. See press release. The website had been down for maintenance the entire weekend into this morning.

The 2014 reporting periods are now fixed quarters, e.g., Jan. 1st to March 31st. It is no longer possible to pick any 90 day period.

fsgl wrote on Tuesday, September 02, 2014:

Spoke with a cordial & very helpful lady at the attestation website Help Center.

She was rather surprised that there had been no updating as a result of the finalization of the proposed rule, especially with the website being shut down over the past weekend for maintenance.

A screenshot of the error message was faxed. The matter will be researched. It was suggested that I inquire again in 3 days.

fsgl wrote on Wednesday, September 03, 2014:

The official word is that in mid-October the upgrade will be done to accommodate the flexibility option.

So, whip those reports into shape for the period July 1 to September 30 & attest in October using the 2011 Edition CEHRT.

Don’t forget to document, document, document. We want to be ready when the attestation police comes knocking.

cmswest wrote on Thursday, September 04, 2014:

dear fsgl,

thank you for bringing this to the attention of the powers that be for the benefit of all of us using the 2011 certified version of OpenEMR who plan to attest this fall

fsgl wrote on Thursday, September 04, 2014:

Hi Stephen,

You are most welcome.

Hopefully it would be easier for the “fellas” this time around.

fsgl wrote on Tuesday, September 30, 2014:

Was bracing myself for a shock, just in case the feds got things done early.

Rearing to go, but…

fsgl wrote on Thursday, October 16, 2014:

They’re ready.

Suggest attester copy search webpage & future Forum announcement of 2014 certification with time stamps for both.

Saddle up & move 'em out!