The government's meaningful use rules for participating in the EHR incentive program were mainly designed for primary care physicians. But this doesn't mean that specialists like cardiologists can't participate. Experts say it may take a little extra effort, but specialists can reap the same benefits from the program as any other type of doctor.

Barbara Fahl-Watkins, an administrator at a cardiovascular center based out of Arizona, told Search Health IT that the majority of her practice's physicians were able to qualify for the EHR incentive program. What made the transition possible was having a vendor that was willing to guide them through the process and help them select an ONC-approved product that met their practice's unique needs.

Furthermore, what made the process easier were the so-called menu options available in the meaningful use requirements. As part of the meaningful use rules there is a list of 10 requirements from which providers can select five with which to comply. This makes the guidelines somewhat more flexible.

Additionally, former National Coordinator for Health IT David Blumenthal told American Medical News that specialists may also be able to claim an exemption from certain meaningful use rules, which is the same as meeting the requirement.