For 2018 and beyond, hospitals are required to submit their meaningful use data through the QualityNet Secure Portal, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services affirmed this month.

Reporting began on Jan. 2 for hospitals and critical access hospitals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs. 

CMS said its goal is to simplify reporting, as the hospitals can now report meaningful use using one portal, instead of two.

[Also: Senators reintroduce EHR Regulatory Relief Act to dramatically change meaningful use]

No other changes are needed. Eligible hospitals and CAHs can continue to collect data in the way they always have, CMS said.

CMS sent out a notice in October that eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals attesting to CMS for the EHR incentive program must use the QualityNet Secure Portal or QNet.

QNet streamlines data submission methods to make it easier for eligible hospitals and CAH’s to report data. 

The requirement covers eligible Medicare and Medicaid hospitals and critical access hospitals. 

Medicaid-only hospitals and CAHs need to update their registration and coordinate with their respective state Medicaid agencies to for information on where to attest, according to CMS.

Hospitals dually-eligible and CAHs will need to register or update their registration with both QNet and the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program registration and attestation system.

Medicare Part B clinicians eligible to participate in MIPS should visit app.cms.gov for more information on how to report.

The attestation period ends on Feb. 28.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com