Frequently Asked Questions About the
Stimulus Package
What healthcare IT incentives are available for the Stimulus Plan?
The government is investing 19 billion dollars into
healthcare - for physicians and hospitals. The bulk of this
investment is going to modernizing healthcare technology -
particularly by use of electronic health records (EHR).
What is the difference between Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR)?
Electronic Health Records and Electronic Medical Records are terms that Microwize, and many others in the healthcare technology industry use interchangeably. EMR/EHRs are electronic versions of patient records. In the past, Electronic Health Records were distinguished as including the ability for reporting. However, with full suites of medical software that include Practice Management (PM) along with EMR, electronic medical records are capable of clinical reporting as well. Therefore, in terms of the stimulus package, they are essentially the same.
How Has McKesson participated in the legislation and why does it
matter?
McKesson has been a part of the legislative process for the healthcare stimulus since even before President Obama was in office. Just before this year, McKesson also finalized its recommendations for the healthcare IT investment, which was published on the change.gov page before President Obama took office.
This is important for you to know because much of the legislation has still not yet been decided. McKesson will continue to play an active role in the process. As McKesson is the maker of EMR software like Lytec MD, Medisoft Clinical and Practice Partner, they are actively participating to ensure that the software they provide will be certified to qualify you for the stimulus.
Who can qualify for the Stimulus Package?
Qualified medical professionals for the Medicare HIT incentive include doctors of medicine, osteopathy, surgery, dental medicine, podiatric medicine, optometry
and chiropractors. You must also not be hospital based,
demonstrate meaningful use of a certified EHR and Submit Medicare Part B Claims.
The Medicaid incentive is extended to include certified nurse mid-wives, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants (under certain circumstances). You must also not be hospital based, demonstrate meaningful use of a
certified EHR and at least 30% of your patients must receive Medicaid assistance (this is lowered to 20% for pediatricians).
What is "Meaningful Use of a Certified EMR?"
Unfortunately, this is yet to be absolutely defined by the secretary of state. This is why it is important that McKesson is involved in the process. However,
meaningful use is expected to include the following:
- Demonstrate meaningful use to the HHS Secretary. This is already defined as including:
- ePrescribing
- Clinical Reporting
- Information Exchange
- EMR/EHR certifications is expected to be based off of CCHIT guidelines. Products that are CCHIT certified for 2008 include:
Can I still qualify if I already had an EMR before the stimulus was passed?
Yes, absolutely. You may also qualify for the early adopter incentive. Anyone who qualifies before 2011 is eligible for the early adopter incentive of another $3,000 for the first year.
What's the maximum amount I can receive and when will I receive it?
Funds for physicians will become available on January 1, 2011. The maximum amount if you qualify under Medicare is $44,000 over 5 years. This includes the early adopter incentive. In order to qualify for the early adopter bonus, you should start implementing and training now if you have not already. The payments are front loaded, with the bulk of the payments coming in the first 2 years. For Medicaid, the maximum amount is $64,000 over 6 years.
What happens if I don't use an EMR?
If you do not demonstrate meaningful use of electronic medical records, by 2015, you will see a reduction in your Medicare payments. For 2015, you could lose 1% of your Medicare payments. This percentage will increase by 1% until 2017, at which point the secretary may increase the reduction up to 5%.
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