Meaningful Use and Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Stage 1 Meaningful Use requirements have several components that may require health information exchange (HIE). First, Eligible Providers, Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals, must demonstrate the capability to exchange key clinical information electronifcally with other healthcare providers. This information could include patient summary records or Continuity of Care Documents (CCDs). Additionally, there are a set of public health Meaningful Use requirements, of which EPs, EHs, and CAHs must meet at least one that requires electronic information exchange:

• Submit electronic data to immunization registries
• Submit electronic reportable laboratory results to public health agencies (EHs/CAHs only)
• Submit electronic syndromic surveillance data to public health agencies

Massachusetts does not currently accept syndromic surveillance data, so as an eligible professional, immunization reporting is your only means to meet your public health objective.  However, Boston‐based providers can submit syndromic surveillance data to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). Please contact the BPHC at 617.534.5395 for more information.