Medicare eligible professionals (EPs) who do not demonstrate meaningful use for the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program may be subject to payment adjustments beginning on January 1, 2015. Because payment adjustments are mandated to begin on the first day of the 2015 calendar year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will determine the payment adjustments based on meaningful use data submitted prior to the 2015 calendar year.

These payment adjustments will be applied to the Medicare physician fee schedule amount for covered professional services furnished by the EP in 2015. EPs who do not demonstrate meaningful use in subsequent years will be subject to increased payment adjustments in 2016 and beyond.

EPs that began participation in 2011 or 2012
EPs who first demonstrated meaningful use in 2011 or 2012 must demonstrate meaningful use for a full year in 2013 to avoid payment adjustments in 2015.

EPs that begin participation this year (2013)        
EPs who first demonstrate meaningful use in 2013 must demonstrate meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period in 2013 to avoid payment adjustments in 2015.

EPs that plan to begin participation in 2014
EPs who first demonstrate meaningful use in 2014 must demonstrate meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period in 2014 to avoid payment adjustments in 2015. This reporting period must occur in the first 9 months of calendar year 2014, and EPs must attest to meaningful use no later than October 1, 2014, in order to avoid the payment adjustments.

Note: EPs must continue to demonstrate meaningful use every year to avoid payment adjustments in subsequent years.

Eligibility
Only EPs that are eligible for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program are subject to payment adjustments. Use CMS’ Eligibility Widget to determine for which programs you are eligible. Medicaid EPs who can only participate in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and do not bill Medicare are not subject to these payment adjustments.

Resources
For more information on EP payment adjustments, view the Payment Adjustments and Hardship Exceptions Tipsheet for EPs and the How Payment Adjustments Affect Providers Tipsheet.   

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

NCMS has resources to help you! Get more information about our PractEssentials program here or contact Terri Gonzalez, Director of Practice Improvement, at 919-833-3836.