Electronic Medical Records Stimulus
EMR Software Stimulus Q&A For Physician Practices
Frequently Asked Questions on the Proposed Rules for Meaningful Use
The earliest adopters who adopt EHR software today and demonstrate 'meaningful use' of the EHR software by 2011 will realize the highest possible payments through the stimulus package. Physician practices that elect not to utilize an EHR system by 2015 will see Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement penalties. It is expected that meaningful use requirements will be increasingly stringent in the years following 2012.
The following Q&A is MDS's interpretation of the proposed rules of the Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Electronic Health Record Incentive Program as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services in this document. There is a 60 day comment period before The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology will issue a final rule.
When do I have to be up and running on EMR to get my first $18,000 Medicare Incentive in 2011?
You must be able to report starting no later than 90 days prior than December 31, 2010 (i.e. October 3rd 2010)
. The EHR reporting period may be any continuous 90-day period within the first payment year and the entire payment year for all subsequent payment years. Qualifying providers who adopt and are "meaningfully using" a certified EHR system by 2011 and 2012 will realize the highest incentive of $44,000. Providers who adopt in 2011 will receive the first payment of $18,000 beginning in 2011.
What features of the EHR do I need to use in order to qualify for 'Meaningful Use' as outlined in the proposed rules?
- Electronic prescribing
- Drug interaction alerts
- Input of patient demographics
- Documentation of vital signs
- Documentation of smoking status
- You will need lab interfaces with major labs to qualify - because at least 50% of lab results must go into the EHR
- Patients need to have access to key data from their medical records
- Transfer of clinical summaries in the referral process
- Submit data based on PQRI or verify that you can do so
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* This is MDS Medical's interpretation of the stimulus act as described in Title XIII Health Information Technology portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the proposed rules of the Medicare and Medcaid programs and Electronic Health Record Incentive Program as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services. Please consult the United States government websites for additional information or specific details. MDS relies on information from third parties and accepts no responsibility or liability for the content provided herein.
