Core Measure 2
Drug Interaction Checks
Objective:
Implement drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction checks.
Measure:
The eligible professional has enabled this functionality for the entire EHR reporting period.
CMS Resources
The following resources are available to help you meet the Drug Interaction Checks meaningful use core measure:
- EHR Meaningful Use Specification Sheet for Eligible Professionals – Core Measure 2 of 15 [PDF - 76k]
Related CMS EHR Incentive Program Frequently Asked Questions
Lessons from the Field
"For medication lists, it is important for providers to understand the benefits and purpose for maintaining a current list, beyond meeting a meaningful use requirement. If a provider knows the medication list affects the contraindication alerts and understands that there is only a need to reconcile against what is listed if up-to-date, providers understand the importance and follow through."
— Peter Minio, HIT Practice Coordinator, Quality Insights of Delaware 
It is important to understand that an active medication list drives key functions such as drug-drug and drug-allergy interactions, various clinical quality measures as well as provides for the ability to query patients based on current medications for recall purposes. Field staff have observed that this understanding can be a key motivator to maintain active medications in a structured format.
National Learning Consortium Resources
The following resources are examples of tools that are used in the field today to assist in meeting the drug interaction check meaningful use measures. These tools have been recommended by "boots-on-the-ground" professionals for use by others who have made the commitment to implement or upgrade to certified EHR systems.
Learn more about The National Learning Consortium.
Reference in this web site to any specific resources, tools, products, process, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
| National Learning Consortium Resources | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resource Name | Description | Source |
Clinical Decision Support Systems Studies |
Summary of PubMed articles specific to clinical decision support system implementation, case studies, and best practices. |
AccessMedicine |
Electronic Preventative Services Selector (ePSS) |
Tool designed to help primary care clinicians identify the screening, counseling, and preventive medication services that are appropriate for their patients. |
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) |
Related CMS EHR Incentive Program Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions around meaningful use, visit the CMS EHR Incentive Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
