Meaningful Use Resources
The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs provide a financial incentive for the "meaningful use" of certified electronic health records (EHR) technology to achieve health and efficiency goals. By putting into action and meaningfully using an EHR system, providers will reap benefits beyond financial incentives - such as reduction in errors, availability of records and data, reminders and alerts and clinical decision support.
The EHR Incentive Program was created as a result of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009, allowing eligible health care professionals to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments of up to $63,750.
Requirements for meaningful use incentive payments will be implemented over a multi-year period, phasing in additional requirements that will raise the bar for performance on IT and quality objectives in later years.
The final CMS rule specifies initial criteria that eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals, including critical access hospitals (CAHs), must meet. The rule also includes the formula for the calculation of the incentive payment amounts; a schedule for payment adjustments under Medicare for covered professional services and inpatient hospital services provided by EPs, eligible hospitals and CAHs that fail to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology by 2015; and other program participation requirements.
Meaningful Use in Colorado:
- Colorado primary care providers have already started receiving Medicare incentive payments (started in late May 2011)
- Eligible primary care providers can receive no-cost services from the CO-REC program to get help implementing an EHR and achieving 'meaningful use'
Are You Eligible for Medicare or Medicaid EHR Incentives?
> Find out with this easy-to-use flow chart! (PDF)
Registration for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program
Visit the CMS website now to register online. Providers should register for the EHR Incentive Program as soon as possible. You can register before you have a certified EHR. Register even if you do not have an enrollment record in PECOS.
Colorado Medicaid EHR Incentive Information
The Colorado Medicaid EHR Incentive Program will begin registering eligible professionals in 2012. Through the CO-REC program, CORHIO is helping the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) educate providers on the EHR incentive program.
Additional Links and Perspectives:
CORHIO Meaningful Use Resources:
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