In the press release I wrote about in my previous CCHIT certification post, they had a nice summary list of the meaningful use requirements as we know them today:
• Allow patients to access clinical information
• Comply with state and federal privacy, security and data sharing regulations
• Document patient progress and provide clinical summaries
• Exchange critical information with other care providers
• Implement drug interaction safeguards
• Send patient reminders about follow-up and preventive care
• Submit immunization and laboratory data to relevant public health registries
• Use computerized physician order entry systems to transmit prescription

Interestingly, this is what I think many doctors consider meaningful use of an EHR:
• Lower costs
• Increase revenue
• Lower charting time
• Oh yes, and better patient care

A bit of a generalization, but you get the point. The good news is that the benefits in my list are possible with an EMR. It’s just that the HITECH stimulus money may or may not promote those benefits.