CMS Issues More Answers to EHR Incentive Program Questions

questionmarkThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) maintains a FAQ database on questions submitted for answers having to do with provider programs. Here are some of the latest entries to the database in the EHR Incentive Program category.

Question: Can providers that have switched Certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) Technology vendors apply for a hardship exception to avoid the Medicare payment adjustment?

Answer: Yes, if a provider switches EHR vendors during the Program Year and is unable to demonstrate meaningful use, the provider may apply for an Extreme and/or Uncontrollable Circumstances hardship exception and if approved may be exempt from the payment adjustment. Read the complete answer.

Question: What if your product is decertified?

Answer: If your product is decertified, you can still use that product to attest if your EHR reporting period ended before the decertification occurred.

If your EHR reporting period ended after the decertification occurred, you can apply for a hardship exception. If the decertification occurs after the hardship exception period has already closed for the payment adjustment year which would be applicable for your reporting period, please contact CMS Hardship Coordinator. Read the complete answers.

See more CMS FAQs previously published on next pages.