CMS has outlined necessary steps for eligible providers and eligible hospitals participating in the meaningful use program to apply for a hardship exemption for 2017.
In December, the government passed a blanket hardship exemption, in which any meaningful use participant can apply for an exemption to avoid reimbursement penalties in 2017. Previously, providers had to meet certain criteria to apply for an exemption.
Providers applying for such an exemption do not need to submit documentation for any hardship category, and CMS will not be reviewing any documentation. Providers only need to select a hardship category and provide identifying information.
CMS suggests providers retain documentation of their hardship category for their own records, but the agency will not review any records.
Deadlines for applying for the blanket hardship exemption are as follows:
- Eligible professionals: March 15
- Eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals: April 1
Click here for more information.
More articles on meaningful use:
#FixEHR: 9 tweets from frustrated physicians leading up to the AMA's 3rd 'Break the Red Tape' town hall
Boston Medical Center CIO Arthur Harvey talks Epic go-live, EHR costs and the end of MU
The end of meaningful use: 6 health IT leaders react