Providers who demonstrate meaningful use of an EHR can realize advantages that extend far beyond incentive payments. Not only do participating providers encourage and participate in a smooth exchange of health information, but they also enable the delivery of higher quality patient care, leading to better outcomes at a lower cost. This is real value for the entire care community.

The benefits of Meaningful Use are far-reaching, and include:

• Complete and accurate information: Care givers have access to the information they need at their fingertips, to diagnose problems and provide the best possible care.
• Improved coordination of care: Information can be shared instantly across care communities, including physician offices, hospitals and health systems, leading to better care coordination.
• Patient engagement: With the ability to receive their medical information electronically and share it securely over the Internet, patients can take a more active role in their health care and that of their families.
• Improved patient safety: Instant electronic access to information about medications, allergies, conditions and treatment history can greatly reduce the risk of medical errors.
• Healthier patient populations and communities: Crucial data about diseases and outcomes captured at the point of care becomes available to other health professionals locally, regionally and nationwide.