Well, I was about to just pre-download from the AC Portal site, and finally was able to find the release notes (wasn't able to google them), and some answers are there.
If my understanding is correct, 11.3 is technically CURES compatible, but there is a specific added 2023 reporting year requirement to attest to Electronic Case Reporting, that requires 11.4 upgrade.
Here's the release notes from portal:
Click here to learn more about the new features in 11.4
https://help.amazingcharts.com/ac/R...4978808.1696105283-1800883530.1590502492still curious about everyone's opinion on the other questions.
here's more from the Release Notes:
"Version 11.4 contains Electronic Case Reporting (eCR) to a Public Health Agency which
is required for participation in MIPS for the 2023 reporting year.
What is eCR?
Electronic case reporting (eCR) is the automated, real-time exchange of case report information between
electronic health records (EHRs) and public health agencies. These timely data are more complete than
manual reporting and include patient demographics (such as race and ethnicity), diagnoses, comorbidities,
occupation, travel history, immunizations, medications, pregnancy status, and other treatments. eCR runs
securely and seamlessly behind the scenes in the EHR to automatically capture and report required
information, reducing provider burden. eCR also enables immediate feedback from public health agencies
to healthcare providers about reportable conditions and possible outbreaks. eCR uses a centralized
platform that allows systems to communicate with each other in real time. eCR runs behind the scenes in
the EHR to automatically capture and report required information. If information entered in the EHR
matches codes of interest to public health, the data necessary for a public health report are sent to the
platform. If the data meet jurisdictional reporting requirements, the report is sent to the appropriate
public health agencies for investigation and follow-up.
eCR is a joint effort of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the Council of State and Territorial
Epidemiologists, and CDC. These organizations play key roles in leading, implementing, and operating eCR
with healthcare organizations, EHR vendors, and public health agencies."