This week, the Medical Group Management Association sent a letter to CMS urging the agency to modify provisions of its proposed 2011 physician fee schedule relating to the electronic prescription and electronic health record programs, Modern Healthcare reports (Lubell, Modern Healthcare, 8/25).
The letter comments on CMS’ proposed rules for the Medicare Part B physician fee schedule for 2011 (Goedert, Health Data Management, 8/25).
E Prescription, EHR Incentives
The e-prescribing program — implemented in 2009 — offers a 1% bonus payment beginning in 2011 for physicians or group practices that are deemed to be “successful electronic prescribers” under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
In 2012, the program will begin penalizing health care providers who do not qualify as successful e-prescribers (Modern Healthcare, 8/25).
According to the letter, there is “significant overlap” between the 2011 Medicare e-prescribing initiative and the EHR “meaningful use” incentive program included in the federal stimulus package. The letter states that health care providers might have difficulty discerning whether they have qualified for the incentive payments.
The group suggested that CMS quickly report whether a health care provider qualifies for either program (Health Data Management, 8/25).
MGMA also said that health care providers who meet meaningful use requirements should not be subject to penalties through the e-prescription program (Modern Healthcare, 8/25).
Quality Reporting Site
In its letter, MGMA also commented on proposed changes to CMS’ Physician Quality Reporting Initiative.
The group urged CMS to continue claims-based PQRI reporting and to refrain from listing health care providers who unsuccessfully participate in PQRI on its Physician Compare website (Health Data Management, 8/25).
Tags: Certified Prescription, E-Prescription, Electronic Prescription, eRx
Posted August 30, 2010 by admin under E-Prescription, Electronic Prescription
