Measure:

Performed at least one test of certified EHR technology’s capacity to submit electronic data to immunization registries and follow up submission if the test is successful (unless none of the immunization registries to which the eligible professional submits such information has the capacity to receive the information electronically).

Clinical Importance

Submitting data to immunization registries makes information easily available for other providers and institutions, such as schools. When done throughout the community, it gives providers and colleagues historical immunization data for queries meant to help keep patient vaccinations up to date. This ultimately contributes to the improvement of public health by reducing vaccine-preventable diseases and over-vaccination.

Lessons from the Field

The methods and processes used to submit public health information, such as immunization status, differ across EHR vendors and states. To meet meaningful use requirements, each practice needs to work with its vendor as well as understand its respective state registry to determine how best to submit the required information. Some questions a practice might ask include:

• Does my vendor require our practice to purchase a separate interface to submit this data?
• Is the data submitted through a batch submission from the vendor or can it be submitted through a health information exchange (HIE)?
• Does my state have an electronic immunization registry?
• If so, does my EHR have the capability to submit immunization status electronically?
• If not, what is my state’s preferred methodology for submission of immunization status?