Stimulus Incentive Program

Does PracticeSuite Integrated EHR and PMS qualify for this incentive?

Yes, PracticeSuite was awarded Ambulatory "Complete EHR" ONC-ATCB 2011 Certification on 12/30/2010. PracticeSuite was tested and certified against all Stage 1 Meaningful Use criteria and optional Stage 1 "Accounting of Disclosure" criterion. In addition, PracticeSuite already meets 25 Stage 2 criteria and has many features and capabilities in the software that enables a medical practice to attain operational efficiency.

Overview 

The Federal stimulus package contains $19 billion to accelerate the adoption and meaningful use of Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Incentive funds are available through two programs—Medicare and Medicaid. Each has its own set of eligibility criteria, requirements, and incentive amounts. Eligible professionals must choose to accept payments under either the Medicare or Medicaid programs and cannot receive payments from both. 

Tax Advantage

Currently, a practice is able to write off up to $250,000 of software and related equipment purchased, through the section 179 tax write off. It is important to note that the section 179 deduction is re-evaluated annually and may or may not be in effect in future years. 

 Medicare Incentive Schedule

State Medicaid Incentive Schedule

Medicare ePrescribing Incentive Schedule

All e-prescribing related incentives have expired. There is a penalty of 1.5% on Medicare reimbursements starting 2013 if a provider fails to adopt e-prescribing by 12/31/2011

Other Use Links

• CMS Fact Sheet on ARRA Stimulus Incentive
• ARRA Timeline
• Meaningful Use' Rule Needs Significant Modifications, Says AAFP

ARRA Stimulus Incentive Meaningful Use of EHR

Medicare Incentives Key Points

• Incentive started in 2011 but providers have time until December 2012 before they lose the first year incentive. Essentially providers that missed the 2011 deadline have time in 2012
• Eligible physicians can receive up to $44,000 over a five-year period
• Providers must bill 125% of the total incentive received over the five-year period of incentive distribution
• Must demonstrate or prove “meaningful use” by using a certified EHR
• Providers that fail to adopt a certified EHR by January 1, 2015 will be penalized by reduction in Medicare payments

State Medicaid Incentives Key Points

• Providers must implement and compile reports on clinical quality measures prior to filing for Medicaid Incentives
• Medicaid incentives range up to $65K over a five-year period
• A non-hospital based provider must have at least 30% patient volume identified as Medicaid insured
• A non-hospital based pediatrician who must have at least 20% patient volume in Medicaid insured
• Provider that practices primarily in a FQHC with at least 30% patient volume identified as “needy individuals"
• Startup incentive up to $25,000 in state loan funds will be available in year one toward the purchase a certified EHR
• After receiving startup funds, providers who can prove “meaningful use” can receive up to $10,000 annually for an additional four years
• No penalties have been defined by Medicaid for lack of adoption

Medicare ePrescribing Incentive Schedule

In addition, the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act has prescribing related incentive and penalties. All eprescribing related incentives have expired. There is a penalty of 1.5% on Medicare reimbursement starting 2013 if a provider fails to adopt eprescribing by 12/31/2011

General and Legal Disclaimer: This is provided for informational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as an advice on this subject. Some of the content are PracticeSuite's opinion. USE OF PRACTICESUITE ASSURES "MEANINGFUL USE" PROVIDED CRITERIAS AS APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIALITY ARE MET BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE STIMULUS INCENTIVE PAYMENTS.