Federal health officials should more closely align the electronic prescribing and meaningful use incentive payment programs, according to a letter from the Medical Group Management Association, Health Data Management reports.
According to MGMA, eligible professionals could be unfairly penalized by the programs’ inconsistent requirements (Goedert, Health Data Management, 3/17).
Details of Incentive Programs
Under 2009 economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health records can qualify for incentive payments through Medicaid and Medicare (CMIO, 3/18).
The e-prescribing program started paying out incentives in 2009 and will continue to do so through 2013. Medicare providers who do not e-prescribe would face penalties beginning in 2012 (iHealthBeat, 2/22).
Letter Details
In its letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, MGMA said that e-prescribing incentive program rules conflict with similar rules within the meaningful use program.
Eligible professionals participating in the e-prescribing program must report successful transmission on claims for at least 10 e-prescriptions in the first six months of 2011 to avoid a 1% Medicare payment cut next year. They also must submit 25 e-prescriptions by the end of 2011 to avoid another payment adjustment in 2013 (Health Data Management, 3/17). However, eligible professionals must attest to meeting less stringent requirements under Stage 1 of the meaningful use program (CMIO, 3/18).
The letter states, “This makes it possible for an [eligible professional] to earn incentives through the EHR incentive program but still be penalized through the e-prescribing program for submitting the same number of e-prescriptions” (Health Data Management, 3/17).
Recommendations
Some of MGMA’s recommendations include:
Source: iHealthBeat
