Schock introduces legislation to include rural health clinics in EHR incentive game
Congressman Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) has introduced legislation to amend the Social Security Act to make practicing eligible professionals in rural health clinics (RHCs) eligible for EHR and quality improvement incentives under Medicare.
Introduced Nov. 17 in the 112th U.S. Congress, H.R. 3458 seeks to ensure seniors in rural areas can continue to rely on their local doctors for quality healthcare using up-to-date technology while keeping the cost of receiving care affordable.
“This revision will allow rural health clinics to operate under the same guidelines as other hospitals and healthcare clinics throughout the country,” a statement from Schock’s office asserted.
RHCs were created to address physician understaffing in rural areas and improve access to primary care services, Schock’s office stated. Purported to be a no-cost legislation, Schock added, “RHCs should not be discriminated against simply because they bill Medicare differently than hospitals or other healthcare practitioners who practice in rural areas.”
Joining Congressman Schock are Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.); Bill Huizenga (Mich.); Dennis Rehberg (Mont.); and Greg Walden (Ore.).
H.R. 3458 is currently referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be determined by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in each case for consideration of such provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced Nov. 17 in the 112th U.S. Congress, H.R. 3458 seeks to ensure seniors in rural areas can continue to rely on their local doctors for quality healthcare using up-to-date technology while keeping the cost of receiving care affordable.
“This revision will allow rural health clinics to operate under the same guidelines as other hospitals and healthcare clinics throughout the country,” a statement from Schock’s office asserted.
RHCs were created to address physician understaffing in rural areas and improve access to primary care services, Schock’s office stated. Purported to be a no-cost legislation, Schock added, “RHCs should not be discriminated against simply because they bill Medicare differently than hospitals or other healthcare practitioners who practice in rural areas.”
Joining Congressman Schock are Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.); Bill Huizenga (Mich.); Dennis Rehberg (Mont.); and Greg Walden (Ore.).
H.R. 3458 is currently referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be determined by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in each case for consideration of such provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.