Electronic Health Record Incentive Program (“Meaningful Use”)

Syndromic Surveillance Data Frequently Asked Questions

If our facility is currently sending syndromic data to GDPH, does this meet the meaningful use criteria?
Probably not. Most transmissions established previously will not meet meaningful use requirements because the data formats used in GA pre-date the specification mandated in the MU final rule. GDPH wants to work with facilities that have been sending data to convert their transmissions into the new format.

Where can I find specifications for the “meaningful use” syndromic surveillance message?
They are currently open for public comment. A link to the draft specification may be found here: http://cdc.gov/phin/library/guides/Syndromic_Surveillance_Implementation_Guide_Release_1_4.pdf

Are all health care providers and hospitals asked to submit Syndromic surveillance data?
The meaningful use objective includes health care professionals and hospitals. In Georgia, syndromic surveillance messages are requested from:
  • Hospitals for all emergency room visits
  • Urgent care centers for all visits
  • Primary care physician offices for all visits

Where should data transmissions be sent?
Messages are sent to the Georgia Department of Public Health state office. Georgia’s public health system uses its State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SendSS), with role-based access for state and local public health staff, provides the appropriate level of access to data submitted based on a user’s jurisdiction and responsibility. To begin this process, please let us know of your interest in providing data by filling out a short registration form: http://Phip.ga.gov/mureg.html

How do I send the messages?
Currently, GDPH is able to accept data transmission via a secure mechanism developed and freely distributed by CDC known as Public Health Information Network Messaging System (PHINMS). For more information on PHINMS, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/phin/tools/PHINms/index.html.

In addition, if PHINMS is not an option, we also will accept data transmission via SFTP (Secure FTP over Secure Shell v.2).

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