EHR / EMR Stimulus Incentives
Government Funding and Incentives are tied to meaningful use of a certified EMR, by a qualified provider.
1. Demonstrating "meaningful use"
"Meaningful use" stage one has been defined. Other stages do not yet have a final ruling. See our details on the criteria and requirements based on the meaningful use final rule.
2. Certified EMR
Accredited Testing & Certification Bodies (ATCB) will test EHRs to certify that they meet requirements. Currently no testing has begun as there are no ATCBs to date. First certified systems expected "Fall 2010". No grandfathering of previous certifications supported by HHS. No Vendors are currently ARRA certified- all must apply for certification and be tested by an ATCB. ATCBs must strictly adhere to requirements established by HHS and cannot add requirements to HHS certification.
3. Qualified Provider
Physicians must be office-based and qualify under either the Medicare or Medicaid provision- they can not collect incentive payments from both.
Medicare Provision
Beginning in 2011, those qualified are entitled to receive up to $44,000 of total Medicare incentive payments over 5 years- from 2011 to 2015.
Year One- $15,000
Year Two- $12,000
Year Three- $8,000
Year Four- $4,000
Year Five- $2,000
Those that qualify for the program in 2011 or 2012 can qualify for a one-time, "early adopter" incentive of $3,000. Incentives are based on the lesser of either 75% of the provider’s Medicare Part B billings or the maximum allowable incentive.
Medicaid Provision
Beginning in 2011, those qualified can collect a sum total of $63,750 over 6 years- calculated as 85% of the EMR costs not exceeding $25,000 in the first year, followed by 85% of annual costs not exceeding $10,000 over the next 5 years. To be eligible more than 30% of their cases must be attributed to Medicaid. Or if they are a qualified pediatrician they are eligible for 2/3 of the maximum payment and 20% of their cases are Medicaid.
Penalties
For those that do not adopt an EMR, Medicare payments will be reduced.
-1% in 2015
-2% in 2016
-3% in 2017 and beyond
Find answers to common questions about the Stimulus.