Healthcare IT Update

You can collect incentive payments by participating with either Medicare or Medicaid — not both.

CMS is still ironing out details of its electronic health record (EHR) bonus program, which could net an eligible professional (EP) $44,000 over a five-year period — if you know the rules.

The agency’s proposal regarding the incentive program includes several important points that you should keep in mind as you create your EHR program, according to a Feb. 2 CMS-sponsored Physicians, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum.

“It’s important to note that EPs can only receive [EHR incentive] payments from either the Medicare or the Medicaid program — not both,” noted CMS’s Chris Gayhead during the call. “EPs can, however, make a one-time program switch for payment year 2014 or before. However, eligible hospitals receive payment from both programs as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.”

Hospital-based EPs, such as pathologists, anesthesiologists, or…