This is an interesting phrase that comes up all the time in the medical informatics community. It is related to the billions of dollars earmarked by ARRA to bring healthcare information technology to small hospital and physician's offices.
The point that is being overlooked in the rush to grab "free money" is that meaningful use will do little more than force organizations into installing and trying to use systems that are being forced upon them in the name of progress. It will line the coffers of the big companies that would otherwise be locked out of the market. And they won't have to do anything to sell the systems! Customers will be waiting at the door with barrels of cash and an edict to computerize their hospital or practice.
How about looking at meaningful use in the context of "Does it help the patient?" Will the patient benefit, or is it a way for the insurance companies to reduce headcount? Can we improve care? Can we give patients access to people and information to prevent hospitalizations?
Which is more meaningful: increased corporate profits or improved patient outcomes?