At least 10 percent of all unique patients seen by the eligible professional are provided timely (available to the patient within four business days of being updated in the certified EHR technology) electronic access to their health information subject to the eligible professional’s discretion to withhold certain information.

In order to better align Stage 1 objectives with the new capabilities of Certified EHR Technology, CMS is replacing several Stage 1 objectives for providing electronic copies of and electronic access to health information with objectives to provide patients the ability to view, download, or transmit their health information or hospital admission information online. The capability to provide patients online access to this information will be a part of Certified EHR Technology.

EP Stage 1 Menu Objective: Provide patients with timely electronic access to their health information (including lab results, problem list, medication lists, and allergies) within 4 business days of the information being available to the EP.

New EP Objective: Provide patients the ability to view online, download and transmit their health information within 4 business days of the information being available to the EP.

New EP Measure: More than 50 percent of all unique patients seen by the EP during the EHR reporting period are provided timely (within 4 business days after the information is available to the EP) online access to their health information subject to the EP’s discretion to withhold certain information.

Clinical Importance

Patient’s access to key aspects of their EHR can improve his/her active involvement, improving care and increasing responsibility in their own health decisions. This access also affords family members or other health care providers information regarding medication refills, scheduling appointments, and patient education. Activating all members of the healthcare team, including family, improves care and safety.