07/21/2008
In recent blogs, we focused on Congress’ carrot and stick approach to encourage e-prescribing.
As we discussed, providers who implement e-prescribing could receive Medicare bonuses (above and beyond the Medicare fee schedule payments)
equal to 2%
of their annual Medicare collections. However, providers who do not implement e-prescribing
will eventually see their reimbursements drop below the standard amounts set forth in the Medicare fee schedule.
To qualify for an
e-prescribing bonus, the following requirements must be met:
- A provider must submit a “sufficient number” of prescriptions (aggregate of
electronic and paper) under Part D. Unfortunately, “sufficient number” has not
yet been defined, but it will be clarified by the Secretary.
- A “sufficient number” of the “sufficient number” of aggregate Part D
prescriptions must be submitted electronically (wow, only the government, or a
lawyer, could make it this convoluted!). Again, “sufficient number” has not yet
been defined, but it will be clarified at a later date.
- The provider must use e-prescribing technology that meets the minimum technical
requirements.
- If there are any PQRI measures that directly relate to e-prescribing, the
provider must report such PQRI measures in at least 50% of the situations
wherein the same are “reportable.”
In the next blog, we will focus on another groundbreaking change that is coming
to the e-prescribing world.
Labels :
CMS,
E-Prescribing, Healthcare IT,
Medicare/Medicaid,
Reimbursement,
PQRI
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