Spotlight On: Clinical Decision Support

Learn More about Clinical Decision Support Interventions

Clinical Decision Support (CDS) is a key functionality of health IT that contributes to improved quality of care and enhanced outcomes by avoiding errors and adverse events, improving efficiencies, reducing costs, and enhancing provider and patient satisfaction.

For the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs in 2016, eligible professionals and eligible hospitals must meet the CDS objective by:

1. Implementing five CDS rules related to four or more clinical quality measures (CQMs) or related to a high-priority health condition for the EP, eligible hospital, or CAH's scope of practice or patient population.


2. Enabling and implementing functionality for drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction checks.

CMS Guidance for CDS Interventions
The CDS objective gives providers flexibility in the types of CDS interventions they employ, as well as the timing of the CDS.

Providers can customize the implementation of the CDS to their own needs for their clinical practice and patient population. The CDS should be implemented at a “relevant point in patient care,” which refers to a relevant point in clinical workflows when the intervention can influence clinical decision-making before diagnostic or treatment action is taken in response to the intervention.

Additionally, providers are not limited to just “pop-up” alert CDS interventions. They can meet the objective by using other methods of CDS, including, but not limited to:

• Computerized alerts and reminders for providers and patients


• Information displays or links


• Clinical guidelines


• Condition-specific order sets


• Focused patient data reports and summaries


• Documentation templates


• Diagnostic support


• Contextually relevant reference information

Note: These functionalities may be deployed on a variety of platforms (e.g., mobile, cloud-based, installed).

To Learn More
For more information on CDS, review the specification sheets for eligible professionals and eligible hospitals.

Important December Deadline Approaching

Get Paid for 2012: Stay Informed of Key Program Deadlines

December 31 deadline 

The reporting year ends on December 31, 2012 for eligible professionals (EPs) participating in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs in 2012. For participating EPs, this means they must have completed their 90 or 365-day reporting period (within the calendar year) by the end of 2012 in order to receive an incentive payment.

When do I attest?

Medicare EPs must complete attestation for the 2012 program year by February 28, 2013, but can attest as soon as their reporting period is complete.  CMS encourages EPs to register and attest sooner rather than later to resolve any potential issues that may delay their payment. 

Medicaid EPs should check with their State for their attestation deadline.

Resources from CMS

CMS has several resources located on the EHR Incentive Programs website to help EPs properly meet meaningful use and attest, including:

• A Registration & Attestation page on the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website that houses information on registration and attestation, and includes links to additional resources. 


• The Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator allows EPs and eligible hospitals to determine if they have met the Stage 1 meaningful use guidelines before they attest in the system. The calculator prints a copy of each EP's or eligible hospital's specific measure summary. 


• The Attestation User Guide for Medicare Eligible Professionals provides step-by-step guidance for EPs participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program on navigating the attestation system. 


• The Attestation Worksheet for EPs allows users to enter their meaningful use measure values, creating a quick reference tool to use while attesting.

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.

Get Paid for 2012: Stay Informed of Key Program Deadlines

December 31 deadline 

The reporting year ends on December 31, 2012 for eligible professionals (EPs) participating in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs in 2012. For participating EPs, this means they must have completed their 90 or 365-day reporting period (within the calendar year) by the end of 2012 in order to receive an incentive payment.

When do I attest?

Medicare EPs must complete attestation for the 2012 program year by February 28, 2013, but can attest as soon as their reporting period is complete.  CMS encourages EPs to register and attest sooner rather than later to resolve any potential issues that may delay their payment. 

Medicaid EPs should check with their State for their attestation deadline.

Resources from CMS

CMS has several resources located on the EHR Incentive Programs website to help EPs properly meet meaningful use and attest, including:

• A Registration & Attestation page on the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website that houses information on registration and attestation, and includes links to additional resources.


• The Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator allows EPs and eligible hospitals to determine if they have met the Stage 1 meaningful use guidelines before they attest in the system. The calculator prints a copy of each EP's or eligible hospital's specific measure summary.


• The Attestation User Guide for Medicare Eligible Professionals provides step-by-step guidance for EPs participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program on navigating the attestation system.


• The Attestation Worksheet for EPs allows users to enter their meaningful use measure values, creating a quick reference tool to use while attesting.

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.

Find Out What is Different Between Stage 1 and 2 of Meaningful Use

New Comparison Tables Highlight the Differences Between the Two Stages of Meaningful Use

On August 23, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule for Stage 2 of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. The rule provides new criteria that eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) must meet to successfully participate in the EHR Incentive Programs.

Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 Tables

CMS created Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 Comparison Tables to help providers navigate the next Stage of meaningful use. There is a table for both EPs and for eligible hospitals and CAHs, and each compares the Stage 1 and Stage 2 core and menu objectives. Providers will be able to see which measures are new, which ones are changing, and which ones are being removed. The tables can be found online in the Stage 2 section of the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website.

Snapshot of the Comparison Tables

The table below is a small snapshot of the EP comparison table that is available online. Visit the Stage 2 section of the website to view the complete tables.

Stage 1 Objective	Stage 1 Measure	Stage 2 Objective	Stage 2 Measure
Implement drug-drug and  drug-allergy interaction checks	The EP has enabled this functionality for the entire EHR reporting period	No longer a separate objective for Stage 2	This measure is incorporated into the Stage 2 Clinical Decision Support measure
Generate and transmit permissible prescriptions electronically (eRx)	More than 40% of all permissible prescriptions written by the EP are transmitted electronically using certified EHR technology	Generate and transmit permissible prescriptions electronically (eRx)	More than 50% of all permissible prescriptions written by the EP are compared to at least one drug formulary and transmitted electronically using Certified EHR Technology

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.

New Meaningful Use FAQ for EPs

CMS Has Added an Important New FAQ for EPs on Using Hospital EHR Modules for Meaningful Use

We want to help keep you updated with information on the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. CMS has recently added a new FAQ that discusses the ability for eligible professionals (EPs) in the EHR Incentive Programs to use hospital EHR modules to achieve meaningful use. Take a minute and review the new FAQ below.

 

Question: Can an EP use EHR technology certified for an inpatient setting to meet a meaningful use objective and measure?

 

Answer: Yes. For objectives and measures where the capabilities and standards of EHR technology designed and certified for an inpatient setting are equivalent to or require more information than EHR technology designed and certified for an ambulatory setting, an EP can use the EHR technology designed and certified for an inpatient setting to meet an objective and measure.  There are some EP objectives, however, that have no corollary on the inpatient side. As a result, an EP must possess Certified EHR Technology designed for an ambulatory setting for such objectives.  Please reference ONC FAQ 12-10-021-1 and 9-10-017-2 and CMS FAQ 10162 for discussions on what it means to possess Certified EHR Technology, ONC FAQ 6-12-025-1 for a list of affected capabilities and standards, and how that relates to the exclusion and deferral options of meaningful use.

 

You can find this FAQ in the CMS FAQ system (CMS FAQ system) by searching for it by FAQ number. Type in 6421 in the “FAQ # Search” box found at the top, left side of the FAQ page.  Choose the “FAQ #” option by clicking the circle and highlighting it in blue.

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.

Louisiana Issues First Medicaid EHR Incentive Payment to EPs for Meaningful Use

Louisiana's Medicaid EHR Incentive Program First in Nation to Issue an Incentive Payment for Eligible Professionals for Meaningful Use

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to issue an incentive payment to a Medicaid eligible professional (EP) for demonstrating meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals made the payment to the Winn Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), on behalf of three EPs. The Winn Community Health Center, a small rural community center staffed by a physician, a nurse practitioner, and a physician's assistant, was also the first FQHC in Louisiana to enroll with the state health information exchange (HIE).

 

Through the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, EPs and eligible hospitals can receive a payment during their first year of participation for adopting, implementing, or upgrading to certified EHR technology. They must demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology in ways that can be measured significantly in both quality and in quantity to receive continued payments after their first year. Medicaid EPs can earn a total of $63,000 over six years.

 

More than 76,000 providers have already received a Medicare or Medicaid EHR incentive payment for successfully adopting, implementing, upgrading, or demonstrating meaningful use of EHRs. Of the total providers paid, more than 30,000 of them participated in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.  As more Medicaid EPs begin their second year of the EHR Incentive Program and achieve meaningful use in 2012, thousands of additional providers will receive their EHR incentive payments. Visit the CMS YouTube page for stories from providers about their experiences with meaningful use.

 

Want more information about the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs?

Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

Register for CMS National Provider Call on the EHR Incentive Programs

Join CMS on Thursday, March 29, for a National Provider Call on the EHR Incentive Programs

CMS is holding a National Provider Call on Thursday, March 29, from 3:00 – 4:30 pm ET for eligible professionals (EPs) to discuss program basics for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. The call will help EPs learn if they are eligible for the programs. 

As of February 29, 2012, more than $3.8 billion in Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments have been made; and more than 211,000 EPs, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals are actively registered. Remember, this is the last year that EPs can participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program and still receive the maximum incentive payment. 

The call will focus on EP participation in the EHR Incentive Programs. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on the Eligibility page of the CMS EHR website. 

The call will cover general program topics, including:

• Are you eligible?


• How much are the incentives and how are they calculated?


• How do you get started?


• What are major milestones regarding participation and payment?


• How do you report on meaningful use?


• Where can you find helpful resources?


• A question and answer session

Registration Information: 

In order to receive call-in information, you must register for the call. Registration will close at 12pm on the day of the call or when available space has been filled; no exceptions will be made, so please register early. 

The presentation for this call will be posted at least one day beforehand. In addition, the presentation will be emailed to all registrants on the day of the call.

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.

Six New State Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs Launched

California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Utah, and Vermont Launched Their Medicaid EHR Programs This Month

On October 3rd, the Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program launched in California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Utah, and Vermont. This means that eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals in these six states will be able to complete their incentive program registration at the state level and receive incentive payments. More information about the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program can be found on the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Basics page of the CMS EHR website.

If you are a resident of California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Utah, or Vermont, and are eligible to participate in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, visit your State Medicaid Agency website for more information on your state's participation in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. Click on a State below to access its website.

• California


• Maine


• Maryland


• Massachusetts


• Utah


• Vermont

As of October 3rd, 33 states have launched Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs and through September, 22 states have issued incentive payments to Medicaid EPs and eligible hospitals who have adopted, implemented, or upgraded certified EHR technology. CMS looks forward to announcing the launches of additional states' programs in the coming months.

For a complete list of states that have already begun participation in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, see the Medicaid State Information page on the CMS EHR website.

A new FAQ has been posted on Medicaid patient volume Q: For the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, can a non-hospital based eligible professional (EP) include their in-patient encounters for purposes of calculating Medicaid patient volume even if the patient is included in the eligible hospital's patient volume for the same 90-day period?

A: Read the answer.

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.

CMS has attestation resources to help you

Take a Look at CMS' Attestation Resources

Are you an eligible professional (EP) or eligible hospital participating in the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program?  CMS has resources to help you attest to having met meaningful use requirements in order to receive your EHR incentive payment.

Attestation resources located on the CMS EHR website include:

• An Attestation page on the CMS EHR website, where participants in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program can find important information on attestation.
  
  


• The Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator allows EPs and eligible hospitals to check whether they have met meaningful use guidelines before they attest in the system. The calculator prints a copy of each EP's or eligible hospital's specific measure summary.
  
  


• The Attestation User Guide for Medicare Eligible Professionals and the Attestation User Guide for Eligible Hospitals provide step-by-step guidance for EPs and eligible hospitals participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program on navigating the attestation system.
  
  


• Attestation Worksheets for EPs and Eligible Hospitals allow users to fill out their meaningful use measure values, so they have a quick reference tool to use while attesting.
  
  


• An Eligible Professional Medicare EHR Incentive Program Attestation Webinar, which is a video version of the user guides for EPs and walks viewers through how to complete the attestation process.

Attestation is currently open for all participants in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. You can attest via CMS' Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Registration and Attestation System.

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.

CMS Has a New FAQ on Payment for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program

CMS wants to keep you updated with information on the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. Take a minute and review CMS' new FAQ on receiving an incentive payment in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program.

Question: I am an eligible professional (EP) who has successfully attested for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, so why haven't I received my incentive payment yet?

Answer: For EPs, incentive payments for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program will be made approximately four to eight weeks after an EP successfully attests that they have demonstrated meaningful use of certified EHR technology. However, EPs will not receive incentive payments within that time frame if they have not yet met the threshold for allowed charges for covered professional services furnished by the EP during the year.

The Medicare EHR incentive payments to EPs are based on 75% of the estimated allowed charges for covered professional services furnished by the EP during the entire payment year. Therefore, to receive the maximum incentive payment of $18,000 for the first year of participation in 2011 or 2012, the EP must accumulate $24,000 in allowed charges. If the EP has not met the $24,000 threshold in allowed charges at the time of attestation, CMS will hold the incentive payment until the EP meets the $24,000 threshold in order to maximize the amount of the EHR incentive payment the EP receives. If the EP still has not met the $24,000 threshold in allowed charges by the end of calendar year, CMS expects to issue an incentive payment for the EP in March 2012 (allowing 60 days after the end of the 2011 calendar year for all pending claims to be processed).

Payments to Medicare EPs will be made to the taxpayer identification number (TIN) selected at the time of registration, through the same channels their claims payments are made. The form of payment (electronic funds transfer or check) will be the same as claims payments.

Bonus payments for EPs who practice predominantly in a geographic Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) will be made as separate lump-sum payments no later than 120 days after the end of the calendar year for which the EP was eligible for the bonus payment.

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?

Make sure to visit the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs. 

Medicare EHR Incentive Payments to Be Issued

The First Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Payments Will Be Issued This Week
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that incentive payments for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program will be sent out this week! Providers who have successfully attested to having met meaningful use, and who have met all the other program requirements, can expect to receive their 2011 incentive payments soon.

What Kind of Payment Can I Expect?
Eligible Professionals (EPs) participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program receive a payment based on 75 percent of their total Medicare allowed charges submitted no later than two months after the end of the 2011 calendar year. The maximum allowed charges used for a 2011 incentive payment is $24,000.  This means that the maximum incentive payment an EP can receive for the first participation year is $18,000.

Please note that incentive payments will not be made to an EP until the EP meets the $24,000 threshold in allowed Medicare charges.

Incentive payments to eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals are based on a number of factors, beginning with a $2 million base payment.

How Are Payments Made?
Participants will receive their Medicare EHR Incentive Program payment the same way they receive payments for Medicare services, via electronic funds transfer or by paper check.  Payments to Medicare providers will be made to the taxpayer identification number (TIN) selected during registration for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program.  For electronic transfers, CMS will deposit incentive payments in the first bank account on file and it will appear on the bank statement as "EHR Incentive Payment."

IMPORTANT: Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), carriers, and fiscal intermediaries will not be making these payments. CMS is working with a Payment File Development Contractor to make these payments. Please do not contact your MAC regarding EHR incentive payments.

Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Payments
Since January 2011, several states that started their Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs have made payments to many EPs and eligible hospitals who have met the requirements for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. To date, over $83 million in Medicaid incentive payments have been issued to EPs and eligible hospitals participating in the EHR Incentive Program.

To view a checklist of how to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, look at the Path to Payment section of the EHR website.

Want More Information About the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

How do I Get Paid for EHR Incentive?

How do I get paid for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs?

Payments for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs are distributed based on each year of participation, and follow a specific payment schedule. Located below are payment details on the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. For an overview, see the Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters Special Edition article (SE1111) – Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Payment Process.

Medicare EHR Incentive Program

• Eligible professionals (EPs): EPs can receive up to $44,000 over five years under the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. There's an additional incentive for EPs who provide services in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).To get the maximum incentive payment, Medicare EPs must begin participation by 2012.


• Eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs): Incentive payments to eligible hospitals and CAHs may begin as early as 2011, and are based on a number of factors, beginning with a $2 million base payment.

Medicaid EHR Incentive Program

• EPs: The Medicaid EHR Incentive Program is voluntarily offered by states and territories. EPs can receive up to $63,750 over the six years that they choose to participate in the program. Medicaid EPs must initiate the program by 2016.


• Eligible hospitals: Medicaid hospitals that qualify for incentive payments may begin receiving incentive payments as early as FY 2011. Hospital payments are based on a number of factors, beginning with a $2 million base payment. Medicaid hospitals must initiate the payments by 2016.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Medicare Administration Contractors (MACs), carriers, and Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) will not be making Medicare EHR incentive payments. CMS has contracted with a Payment File Development Contractor to make these payments.

DON'T: Call your MAC/Carrier/FI with questions about your EHR incentive payment.

INSTEAD: Call the EHR Information Center

• Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.


• 1-888-734-6433 (primary number) or 888-734-6563 (TTY number).

A revised FAQ on payment for the EHR Incentive Programs has been posted to the EHR website
Question: For the 2011 payment year, how and when will incentive payments for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program be made?

Answer: For EPs, incentive payments for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program will be made approximately four to eight weeks after an EP successfully attests that they have demonstrated meaningful use of certified EHR technology. However, EPs will not receive incentive payments within that timeframe if they have not yet met the threshold for allowed charges for covered professional services furnished by the EP during the year. Read the rest of the answer to this FAQ here.

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website at http://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

CMS Attestation Calls in May

Sign Up for CMS' National Provider Calls about Attestation
CMS is holding conference calls for eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) participating in the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program to provide information on the attestation process. These calls will take place next week. Mark your calendars for one of the calls below.

• Tuesday, May 3, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET - Register to join this call if you are an eligible hospital or CAH who wants to learn more about the attestation process for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program.


• Thursday, May 5, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. ET- Register to join this call if you are an EP who wants to learn more about the attestation process for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program.

What the Calls Will Cover

• Path to Payment – Highlighting the steps you need to take to receive your incentive payment


• Walkthrough of the Attestation Process – Guiding you through CMS' web-based attestation system


• Troubleshooting – Helping you successfully attest through CMS' system


• Helpful Resources – Reviewing CMS' resources available on the EHR website


• Q&A – Answering your questions about the attestation process

Instructions on How to Register for a Call
To register for these calls, take the following steps:

1. Visit either:
   
   
   
   • The registration site for the Tuesday, May 3 eligible hospital and CAH call. Registration closes Monday, May 2 , 2:00 p.m. ET.
   
   
   • The registration site for the Thursday, May 5 EP call. Registration closes Wednesday, May 4, 1:30 p.m. ET.
   
   
   
   


2. Fill in all required information and click "Register."


3. You will be taken to the "Thank you for registering" page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Please save this page in case your server blocks the confirmation email. (If you do not receive the confirmation email, check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.)


4. If assistance for hearing impaired services is needed, please email medicare.ttt@palmettogba.com no later than 3 business days before the call.

Prior to each call, presentation materials will be available in the Upcoming Events section of the Spotlight Page on the CMS EHR website.

Registration closes when all available space has been filled, or 24 hours before each call; no exceptions will be made, so please register early.

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

Alert: Medicare EHR Incentive Program Attestation Begins Today!

Attestation for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program Begins Today!
Today, attestation for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program begins. This means that eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) can attest through the CMS web-based attestation system and be on their way to receiving Medicare EHR incentive payments.

We can help you successfully attest
Several new CMS resources can help you successfully navigate the Medicare EHR Incentive Program:

• A new attestation page on the CMS EHR website, where participants in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program can find important information on attestation.


• The Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator allows EPs and eligible hospitals to check whether they have met meaningful use guidelines before they attest in the system. The calculator prints a copy of each EP's or eligible hospital's specific measure summary.


• The Eligible Professional User Guide and the Eligible Hospital and Critical Access Hospital User Guide provide step-by-step guidance for EPs and eligible hospitals on navigating the attestation system.

Coming soon

• Attestation Worksheets for EPs and eligible hospitals allow users to fill out their meaningful use measure values, so they have a quick reference tool to use while attesting.


• Attestation Video Webinars will provide a video version of the user guides for EPs, eligible hospitals and CAHs. The videos show EP and eligible hospital representatives completing the attestation process.

If you are not ready to attest, follow these steps to participate in the programs:

• Make sure you're eligible for the EHR Incentive Programs. View eligibility guidelines at our Eligibility page and select the program in which you want to participate.


• Get registered. Registration is open for EPs, eligible hospitals, and CAHs. Visit the Registration page for more details.


• Use certified EHR technology. To receive incentive payments, make sure the EHR technology you're using or are considering buying has been certified by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Visit our Certified EHR Technology page for details.


• Be a Meaningful User. You have to successfully demonstrate "meaningful use" for a consecutive 90-day period in your first year of participation (and for a full year in each subsequent years) to receive EHR incentive payments. Visit our Meaningful Use page to learn about meaningful use objectives and measures.


• Attest for incentive payments. To get your EHR incentive payment, you must attest through Medicare's secure website that you've demonstrated meaningful use with certified EHR technology.

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.

Source: Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services