CMS Announces Changes to the Medicare eRx Incentive Program - September 7, 2011

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its 2011 Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program final rule on Aug. 31. To address concerns about whether certified electronic health record (EHR) technology required for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program is also a “qualified” electronic prescribing system as required by the Medicare eRx Incentive Program, CMS is modifying the 2011 Medicare eRx electronic prescribing measure. The measure will now allow a certified EHR technology under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program to count as a qualified electronic prescribing system for the purpose of the Medicare eRx Incentive Program. CMS also is adding four additional significant hardship exemptions that will exempt participating eRx providers from the 2012 payment adjustment required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, including an exemption for eligible professionals who register to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and adopt certified EHR technology. For more information, please contact Kevin Van Dyke at kvandyke@naph.org.