Performed at least one test of certified EHR technology’s capacity to provide electronic syndromic surveillance data to public health agencies and follow-up submission if the test is successful (unless none of the public health agencies to which an eligible professional submits such information has the capacity to receive the information electronically).

Clinical Importance

Syndromic Surveillance Data Submission is used to improve population health by supporting timely and effective prevention and response. Electronic health data transactions and large public health databases can be used for epidemiological analyses and this surveillance information to public health decision makers for use in monitoring and mitigating public health threats. The use of near patient data and statistical tools enables public health authorities to provide timely assessments of population health that assist with determining and assessing the implementation of public health action. This is particularly useful for event detection, situation awareness, and response management. Your practices contribution to the syndromic surveillance database has a direct impact on public health at the national level.

EHR Incentive Program Frequently Asked Questions

Lessons from the Field

The methods and processes used to submit public health information, such as syndromic surveillance data, 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?