EMR STIMULUS INFORMATION

Here is the basic information on the Stimulus Program to Physicians with regards to EMR | EHR Electronic Medical Records, Electronic Health Records HITECH Act of 2009.

Specifics of the Physician Opportunity
As stated, there are two incentive programs for physicians: Medicare and Medicaid. Physicians will choose program participation.

Medicaid: Physicians who see more than 30% of patients paying with Medicaid (20% for pediatricians) are eligible for payments of up to $64,000 over five years. The incentives will be calculated through a formula that multiplies 85% by amounts ranging from $35,000 in the first year to $10,000 in subsequent years.

Medicare: Physicians who do not have a large Medicaid volume but do accept Medicare can receive up to $44,000 over the five years. Additionally, physicians operating in a "health provider shortage area" will be eligible for an incremental increase of 10%, and those delivering care entirely in a hospital environment, such as anesthesiologists, pathologists and ED physicians, are ineligible.

Fee reductions: Providers who do not demonstrate meaningful use in 2014 will see, in their 2015 fee schedules from Medicare, a decrease of 1%. An additional decrease will be affected in 2016 and 2017 down to a total of 97% of the regular fee schedule; it can further be reduced to 95% if the Secretary determines that total adoption is below 75% in 2018.

More information on the EMR Stimulus HealthInformation Technology for Economic-and Clinical Health Act (HITECH-Act)