Providers participating in meaningful use programs who have switched vendors have a couple of options to continue on within the incentive programs. CMS has updated its FAQs to provide guidance on how to continue participation in meaningful use after switching vendors.
Providers who switch certified EHRs during the program year who are unable to demonstrate meaningful use may apply for an Extreme and/or Uncontrollable Circumstance hardship exception. If that exception is approved, the provider may be exempt from a payment adjustment.
Additionally, CMS says that if a provider's EHR product is decertified, the provider can still attest to meaningful use using that EHR if the reporting period ended before the product was decertified. If the reporting period ended after the product was decertified, the provider can apply for a hardship exception period.
However, if the decertification of the product occurs after the hardship exception period has ended for the payment adjustment year, providers should contact CMS directly to apply for a hardship exception under the Extreme and/or Uncontrollable Circumstances category.
For more MU FAQs, click here.
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