What does the term "meaningful use" refer to in healthcare?

The term "meaningful use" in healthcare specifically refers to the use of certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology aimed at improving health outcomes. This concept was established as a part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which encourages healthcare providers to adopt EHRs and utilize them effectively.

Meaningful use is designed to ensure that EHR technology is used in ways that contribute to better patient care, enhance patient engagement, and streamline clinical operations, which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes for patients. By meeting certain criteria, healthcare providers can not only support the overall efficiency of healthcare systems but also qualify for financial incentives available under Medicare and Medicaid programs.

This focus on health outcomes differentiates meaningful use from other concepts in healthcare that may relate to technology, billing practices, or eligibility standards.