Although the AMA has spoken out repeatedly against the meaningful use program and the push for rapid EHR adoption, the programs have rolled on.The AMA spent more than $19 million in 2014 to lobby against the adoption of ICD-10 and meaningful use implementation, according to Healthcare Dive.
However, the AHA spent $20.75 million, and BCBS spent $21.3 million to lobby for ICD-10 and EHR adoption, a combined total of more than $42 million. Both financially benefit from ICD-10 and EHR use, according to the report. Although CMS has allowed for some delays in implementation and leniency on deadlines, the AMA’s multiple letters for the removal of particular requirements or the delay of ICD-10 implementation have been largely unsuccessful.
Tech companies also laid out significant funds to lobby Congress in 2014 — Google alone spent $17.5 million, and GE spent $16.3 million, according to Wall Street Cheat Sheet.
