How you can Qualify for your Incentive
Payment:
The stimulus package passed for the year 2009 pumps $19
billion into the medical industry to help implement technology
that makes healthcare safer and more connected. Those who prove
meaningful use of Electronic Health Records can receive an
incentive reimbursement of up to $64,000 over six years.
Hospitals can qualify for $2-8 million in funding. Remember, 70%
of the incentive comes within the first two years. This means
that in order to receive the maximum reimbursement, you must
start early. It is believed that the definition of meaningful
use will be very similar to the CCHIT certifications. For more
information on CCHIT certifications, see
cchit.org or click here.
The definition of "meaningfull use" includes:
- Use EMR software at point of care
- Prescribe electronically
- Choose an EMR that ensures interoperability or data sharing
- Use an EMR capable of clinical reporting
2011 qualification criteria also includes:
- 90 day reporting period to prove meaningful use through required measures
- At least one clinical decision support rule relevant to a specialty or a high clinical priority
- Electronic claim submission to payors
- Electronically check insurance eligibility (when possible)
- Provide patients with timely electronic access to their health information;
- Provide patients, upon request, with an electronic copy of their discharge instructions and procedures at the time of discharge; and
- Require the capability to exchange health information where possible in 2011, with participation in a national health information exchange by 2015
*By 2013, it is also expected that criteria will extend to include the ability to provide patients with access to their personal helath records populated in real time.
Here's How it Works:
There are two ways you can qualify for the incentive. Qualified providers can qualify under either incentive, but not both. You can qualify either under Medicare or Medicaid. Physicians qualifying under the Medicare portion can receive up to $44,000 and those qualifying under the Medicaid incentive can qualify for up to $64,000. You can receive your incentive payments starting in January of 2011. Physicians who do not implement EHR technology by 2015 will suffer from a 1% reduction in Medicare Payments (reductions will continue to increase after 2015 up to 5%).
Qualifying Under the Medicare Provision
Physicians qualifying under the Medicare provision are eligible for up to $44,000. The total amount that you receive is based on how early you adopt and your Medicare Part B billings. (You must submit Medicare Part B claims to qualify.) You will receive the lesser amount of either 75% of your Medicare Part B charges or $44,000 over a five year period from 2011 to 2015. You can also qualify for an early adopter incentive of $3,000 (if you qualify for either 2011 or 2012.) Remember, to receive your maximum payment, you must start now. MAXIMUM incentives
(including $3,000 bonus) will be paid as follows:
- $18,000 for the 1st year
- $12,000 for the 2nd year
- $8,000 for the 3rd year
- $4,000 for the 4th year
- $2,000 for the 5th year
Qualifying Under the Medicaid Provision
Providers qualifying under Medicaid are eligible for up to $63,750 over six years. Your payment is calculated as 85% of the EHR cost (up to $25,000 for the first year), and 85% of annual cost (up to $10,000) over the following five years. To qualify for the Medicaid provision, at least 30% of your cases must be attributable to Medicaid. For pediatricians, the minimum percentage of Medicaid patients is reduced to 20%. However, office-based pediatricians are only eligible to receive up to two thirds of the maximum payment.
All of the EMR solutions that we offer are CCHIT certified for 2008. You can check out some of the EMR solutions that we offer by
clicking the links below:
Still have some questions? Visit our
frequently asked questions page for more information.
Microwize periodically hosts online webinars on the stimulus
package, as well as demonstrations of EMR software. To register
for our next demonstration or webinar, visit our
events page or click here.
Contact one of our knowledgeable
staff members today and ask which EMR solution is right for your
practice. Click here or call 1.800.955.0321
|
