Morning Headlines 5/6/14

Epic, Cerner are top EHRs for docs meeting meaningful-use requirement

Epic remains the top vendor for Meaningful Use attestations by eligible providers with a complete EHR, while Cerner is the top vendor for EPs attesting with a modular EHR.

Health Information Exchange among U.S. Hospitals Continues to Grow, but Significant Work Remains

ONC says in a recent report that 93 percent of US hospitals now possess a certified EHR. In a separate report, it says that 62 percent of the same hospitals are using HIEs to exchange laboratory results, radiology reports, clinical care summaries, or medication lists with outside providers.

Fitch Rates Centegra Health System & Affiliates, IL Ser 2014A Revs ‘BBB’; Downgrades Rev Bonds

Fitch Ratings has lowered its outlook for Centegra Health System (IL) from stable to negative, and issues a rating of BBB on its revenue bonds. Fitch expected improved performance in 2013, but one-time EHR implementation costs, combined with an increase in practice acquisitions, dampened financial results. Centegra then added $200 million in debt to pay for construction of a 128-bed hospital.