The study analyzed orthopedic and cardiovascular patient notes from MTSamples.com, a collection of transcribed medical transcription sample reports. The findings indicated between 91 and 93 percent of EHR data captured in a structured format could be captured in an unstructured format and still meet the requirements for meaningful use.
Currently, only 7 percent of data (9 percent if lab data is present) in a patient note needs to be structured to meet meaningful use requirements.
“This study is especially relevant for physicians frustrated by the negative impact EHRs can have on their patient interactions and their productivity,” said Mark Christensen, WebChartMD CEO. “Physicians are often asked to capture more data in a structured format than meaningful use requires.”
More articles on meaningful use:
CMS reopens MU hardship exception application submission period
Where your meaningful use program should be now
How to maximize meaningful use dollars by moving to the cloud
