South Florida health providers have their eye on April 18, when the “attestation” period for the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program begins. In order to receive Medicare EHR incentive payments, providers must attest through CMS’ web-based Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs Registration and Attestation System. The system requires health care providers to successfully report on several core measures and clinical quality measures before they are eligible for incentive payments.
The South Florida Regional Extension Center (SFREC), a federally-funded nonprofit organization assisting doctors with the adoption of the electronic health record, is preparing to assist doctors during the attestation process. “We are gearing up for April 18,” said Lisa Rawlins, Executive Director. “It is our role to provide guidance to our members at every step of the adoption process. We will help members who are prepared to meet the criteria of attestation and receive their incentive payments.”
Rawlins added that physician practices that already have certified electronic health records are encouraged to join the SFREC to receive assistance with meeting the attestation criteria, and the ultimate goal, to achieve meaningful use of the technology. An example of meaningful use is that medical providers must regularly send, receive and confirm a percentage of their prescription medication orders and lab tests through their EHR system. Eligible health care providers can receive incentive payments of up to $64,500 for Medicaid providers and $44,000 for Medicare during the next five years.
During attestation, eligible professionals and hospitals report their meaningful use objectives and attest that they have successfully met the requirements. Once providers have completed a successful online submission through the attestation system, they qualify for a Medicare EHR incentive payment. More information and preview screens are available at the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs. User Guides and educational webinars that describe the attestation process in depth will also be available.
Note that the last day to begin the 90-day reporting period for 2011 incentive payments is July 3, 2011 for eligible hospitals and October 1, 2011 for eligible providers.
More than 1,000 physicians have joined the South Florida Regional Extension Center to improve and streamline their EMR adoption process. Doctors who sign up with the SFREC are guided through the process of registering for financial incentives, receiving office readiness assessments, choosing a certified vendor, implementing a system, receiving training and support and achieving meaningful use of the systems.
