National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Public health syndromic surveillance using inpatient and ambulatory clinical care electronic health record (EHR) data is a relatively new practice. As eligible health professionals and hospitals adopt, implement, and upgrade their EHR systems through the CMS EHR Incentive programs (Meaningful Use programs), there is an opportunity for public health agencies (PHAs) to routinely receive health data from settings other than emergency departments and urgent care centers.