Contrary to what some electronic health record (EHR) vendors might tell providers, CMS does not require a specific template for the clinical summary to meet meaningful use requirements.
 
CMS made that clear in a recent FAQ on its website. “The design flexibility extends to all information elements of the clinical summary,” the FAQ states. “For example, the information about future appointments, provider referrals, scheduled tests and clinical instructions could be included in a section of the summary called ‘next steps.’”
 
To meet stage 2 meaningful use requirements, providers have to give clinical summaries to patients within one business day for more than 50% of office visits.
 
The FAQ likely pre-empts vendors who might not allow practices access to modify templates of the clinical summary, says Todd Searls, director of regional extension center (REC) operations, Wide River Technology Extension Center, Lincoln, Neb.
 
Part B News will have more on recent CMS FAQs about the EHR incentive program in an upcoming issue.