Paying close attention to the government's meaningful use rules plays an important part of any practice being able to qualify for the EHR incentive program. But many in the field say that the most successful medical offices are the ones that view EHR implementation as an opportunity to improve care quality and that do not do it just for the incentives.

Many of the specifics of the meaningful use rules were intended to ensure that physicians are using EHRs to drive quality, but different practices may want to use the technology in various ways. Thinking about how using electronic records can boost quality while at the same time following the meaningful use guidelines can deliver the best results.

Mike Mistretta, the CIO of an Ohio-based practice, told Healthcare IT News that this is the approach his organization is taking. After attesting to Stage 1 of meaningful use, the group has continued to find new ways to use EHRs to improve care. Not only will this lead to better results, Mistretta said he feels it will set the office up for the second stage of meaningful use.

With incentives payments of up to $44,000 for participating in the Medicare program and $63,750 for participating in the Medicaid program, not thinking about the financial benefits would be impossible. But also considering how technology can benefit care quality may be an important part of EHR implementation.