There are several compelling reasons for health care organizations to keep their health IT systems, including electronic health record (EHR) systems, up to date. In addition to receiving new features and enhancements, important regulatory considerations are driving an immediate need for some practices to update their software.
- Clinicians and groups participating in the Medicare Quality Payment Program (either the MIPS or APM track) must demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology (CEHRT) as stipulated under the rules of their program.
- The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC), formerly known as the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), has increased the frequency of updates to its certification program, introducing new and updated criteria on an annual basis.
- Health IT developers, as condition of maintenance of certification, must make these updates available to clients annually, and clients must apply these updates to remain on CEHRT.
Who does this impact and how will clients update their software?
- Healthcare providers and groups participating in the QPP or any other program requiring CEHRT will need to take a software update in the near future. Depending on the program in which they participate, these clients will need to apply the update either before January 1, 2025 or by the beginning of July 2025.
- NextGen® Enterprise EHR version 6.2021.1 Cures is currently the minimum certified version. NextGen Healthcare plans to release a software update in October for all currently certified versions (NextGen Enterprise versions 6.2021.1 Cures and NextGen® Enterprise 8) to address the latest certification requirements.
- Clients will need to apply this update in advance of the CEHRT deadline set by the program in which they plan to participate in 2025. The final 180-day MIPS reporting starts at the beginning of July 2025. However, APM participants may be required to be live on certified EHR by January 1, 2025. Please review the NextGen® Enterprise HTI-1 Timeline chart below for details.
We recognize that each of you has a unique upgrade path, and we’re here to assist. To get started, please read the Regulatory Software Updates for NextGen Enterprise Client FAQ and contact your account representative with any additional questions.