CMS has issued the final rule (pdf) for the Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program.
The final rule makes three main changes to the eRx Incentive Program:
1 The eRx quality measure indicates whether an eligible professional has adopted a qualified electronic prescribing system. Now, in addition to those meeting the four required functionalities of the eRx program, users of certified EHR technology also qualify.
2. The hardship exemption categories now include eligible professionals who register to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and adopt certified EHR technology; eligible professionals who cannot electronically prescribe due to local, state or federal law; eligible professionals who have limited prescribing activity; and eligible professionals who have insufficient opportunities to report the eRx measure due to limitations of the measure's denominator.
3. The deadline for requesting hardship exemption is extended to Nov. 1.
CMS estimates the impact of the final rule changes will be $30 million for FY 2012 net of premium offset based on the FY 2012 president's budget baseline and $20 million for FY 2013.
AMA, MGMA and Others Release Updated 2011 Guide to E-Prescribing
Study: E-Prescribing in Ambulatory Care Not That Helpful
The final rule makes three main changes to the eRx Incentive Program:
1 The eRx quality measure indicates whether an eligible professional has adopted a qualified electronic prescribing system. Now, in addition to those meeting the four required functionalities of the eRx program, users of certified EHR technology also qualify.
2. The hardship exemption categories now include eligible professionals who register to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and adopt certified EHR technology; eligible professionals who cannot electronically prescribe due to local, state or federal law; eligible professionals who have limited prescribing activity; and eligible professionals who have insufficient opportunities to report the eRx measure due to limitations of the measure's denominator.
3. The deadline for requesting hardship exemption is extended to Nov. 1.
CMS estimates the impact of the final rule changes will be $30 million for FY 2012 net of premium offset based on the FY 2012 president's budget baseline and $20 million for FY 2013.
Related Articles on Electronic Prescribing:
Study: E-Prescribing Systems Should Not Be Used to Identify Error-Prone PhysiciansAMA, MGMA and Others Release Updated 2011 Guide to E-Prescribing
Study: E-Prescribing in Ambulatory Care Not That Helpful