What is a potential consequence of not meeting "meaningful use" criteria?

Not meeting "meaningful use" criteria can lead to a reduction in Medicare reimbursements. The "meaningful use" program is designed to encourage healthcare providers to use electronic health records (EHRs) in ways that enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and ensure accountability through the use of health information technology.

Providers who fail to demonstrate meaningful use of EHR systems can face financial penalties, such as reduced reimbursements from Medicare. This is part of an incentive structure aimed at pushing healthcare providers to adopt and effectively use EHR technology to improve overall healthcare quality. By not complying with these criteria, organizations may see a direct negative impact on their revenue streams, prompting a need for compliance to avoid financial losses.

In contrast, meeting meaningful use criteria is linked with positive outcomes such as eligibility for financial incentives, improved patient satisfaction, and possibly increased funding for EHR systems. Thus, the stakes are high for healthcare organizations when it comes to adhering to these established standards.