More updates on eRx and meaningful use
CMS has just clarified that you do not need to apply for a hardship exemption for eRx if you have attested or plan to attest for Meaningful Use.
There has been much confusion over e-Prescribing as it relates to Meaningful Use (MU). Here are the issues:
E-Prescribing is one of the core objectives of MU.
You cannot receive an incentive for both MU and eRx.
Yet, prior to the proposed rules due to be finalized in November, 2012, even if successfully attesting to MU, there was no way to avoid the eRX adjustment in 2013, without submitting the eRx measure through the eRX Incentive Program.
CMS proposes to correct this with new rule-making expected to be released November 16. The proposed rules create two new categories of hardship exemption:
- Eligible professionals or group practices who achieve meaningful use during certain 2013 and 2014 eRx payment adjustment reporting periods
- Eligible professionals or group practices who demonstrate intent to participate in the EHR Incentive Program and adoption of Certified EHR technology
The newest information released in the CMS Medicare FFS Provider e-News of November 7, clarifies that
Eligible professionals do not need to apply for these 2 EHR-related hardship exemptions through the Quality Reporting Communication Support web page (Communication Support Page). They only need to register or attest for the EHR Incentive Program by January 31, 2013. However, if an eligible professional previously registered for the EHR Incentive Program but did not supply the EHR Certification Number for their EHR product at that time, and has not since achieved meaningful use, they need to go back and add that piece of information to their registration before January 31, 2013.
On another note about eRx, the professionals eligible for the eRx adjustment are not the same as the professionals eligible for the incentive.
Other questions about Meaningful Use, eRx or PQRS? Contact Mingle Health
Dr. Dan Mingle and members of the team share their insights on how to maximize your success and payments for MIPS and APMs.