CMS Issues Final Medicare E-Prescribing Incentive Program Rule
On August 31, 2011, CMS released a final rule that updates Medicare electronic prescribing (eRx) incentive program policies. Specifically, the regulation revises the eRx quality measure used for certain reporting periods in calendar year 2011 to address uncertainties related to the technological requirements of the Medicare eRx Incentive Program; provides additional significant hardship exemption categories for eligible professionals and group practices for the 2012 eRx payment adjustment (the deadline for such requests is November 1, 2011); and extends the deadline for submitting requests for consideration for the two significant hardship exemption categories for the 2012 eRx payment adjustment in the CY 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule until November 1, 2011. The rule, which was published September 6, is effective October 6, 2011.
