Clinical decision support (CDS) systems are a long way from mainstream. But they’re coming fast, and health IT has to get ready.
On January 1, 2017, healthcare providers who order advanced imaging exams have to begin using CDS when placing their orders for Medicare patients. It’s the law, as written in the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014.
The teeth behind it are more dachshund than pit bull. But if you’ve ever turned your back on a dachshund, you know it can be a mistake.
Starting in 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will begin tracking providers. Those who don’t follow the guidelines for using CDS when ordering advanced imaging for Medicare patients will be identified over the next three years – based on two years of performance – and be ordered to obtain “prior authorization for applicable imaging services” for an “appropriate” period. This time there will be a bite in the pay those providers receive – or more exactly, don’t receive.
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