CMS releases early incentive stats, proposes IT flexibility
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CMS has also announced proposed changes to the Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program that would provide financial incentives, including payment adjustments, beginning Jan. 1, 2012, for EPs.
The proposal also would provide additional flexibility in e-prescribing technology and exemptions from the payment adjustment for providers that face certain barriers to using e-prescribing systems or meeting program requirements, CMS added.
The proposed changes would modify the description statement of the 2011 e-prescribing measure (which is a quality measure used for certain reporting periods in 2011) to recognize certified EHR technology as a “qualified” eRx prescribing system. The proposed change would offer eligible professionals (EPs) and groups participating in the eRx Incentive Program the option of adopting either a qualified eRx system or certified EHR technology, according to CMS.
The proposal would also provide additional significant hardship exemption categories for the 2012 e-Rx payment adjustment. In a significant hardship exemption request, EPs or group practices would need to demonstrate that one of these situations applies:
- EPs who register to participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program or the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and adopt certified EHR technology;
- Inability to electronically prescribe due to local, state, or federal law;
- Limited prescribing activity; or
- Insufficient opportunities to report the e-prescribing measure due to the limitations of the measure’s denominator.
The proposed changes would extend the deadline to request a significant hardship exemption to Oct. 1. “This deadline would apply to the two significant hardship exemption categories established in the 2011 [Medicare Physician Fee Schedule] Final Rule, as well as to the proposed additional significant hardship exemption categories,” CMS stated.
Click here to see the proposed rule, which will be posted in the National Register on June 1.