Proposed Change to Electronic Prescribing (E-Rx) Exemptions for 2013

On July 6, 2012, the proposed 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule policies and rates were published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The proposal also contains proposed changes for the 2013 Physician Quality Programs which includes the E-Rx program.

Practices seeking the HIT bonus by attesting to meaningful use are aware that they may not receive both the HIT bonus and an E-Rx bonus. CMS has been unable to determine which practices will seek the HIT bonus. So, it has required practices to submit a small number (10) claims with E-Rx codes to let them know that they do indeed electronically prescribe. This has confused and frustrated many.

The 2013 MPFS proposes to add two new exemptions to the 2013 and 2014 payment adjustments relating to participation in the HIT bonus program. They are:

1. Eligible professionals or group practices who achieve meaningful use during certain e-Rx payment adjustment reporting periods.
2. Eligible professionals or group practices who demonstrate intent to participate in the EHR incentive program and adoption of Certified EHR Technology. Additional proposed changes include an informal review process and new criteria for being a successful e-prescriber for groups of 2-24 eligible providers using a group reporting option.

Final changes to the program will appear in the Federal Register in early November when the proposal becomes a final document. The complete proposal can be found at: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/PhysicianFeeSched/index.html?redirect=/PhysicianFeeSched/