The chair of a House subcommittee on health technology has requested CMS exempt physicians in small practices or those nearing retirement from health IT requirements, according to a MedPageToday report.
In a May 1 letter to CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) expressed concern over meaningful use requirements included in the 2009 HITECH Act.
The act authorizes incentive payments through Medicare and Medicaid to providers that use electronic health records in a "meaningful" way to improve patient care. The act also penalizes providers who do not use EHRs by the deadlines set by CMS.
Rep. Ellmers said she is concerned stage 2 goals may be too ambitious for some small or solo practice physicians to meet. She urged CMS to allow hardship exemptions for physicians working in practices with five or fewer physicians, as well as physicians over the age of 60 and nearing retirement.
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In a May 1 letter to CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) expressed concern over meaningful use requirements included in the 2009 HITECH Act.
The act authorizes incentive payments through Medicare and Medicaid to providers that use electronic health records in a "meaningful" way to improve patient care. The act also penalizes providers who do not use EHRs by the deadlines set by CMS.
Rep. Ellmers said she is concerned stage 2 goals may be too ambitious for some small or solo practice physicians to meet. She urged CMS to allow hardship exemptions for physicians working in practices with five or fewer physicians, as well as physicians over the age of 60 and nearing retirement.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
MedBridge Announces Reorganization of Management Team
7 Reasons for Claim Denials in Surgery Centers and How to Fix the Problem
California Surgery Center Lawsuit Highlights Conflicting Viewpoints on Out-of-Network Care