CMS Correspondence Says Begin Preparing for Attestation Today
September 30, 2013 is an important deadline for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) participating in the EHR Incentive Programs. It marks the end of the fiscal year (FY) and the last day of the 2013 meaningful use program year.
Attestation Deadline
Hospitals participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program have until November 30, 2013 to attest to demonstrating meaningful use of the data collected during the FY 2013 reporting period. Hospitals participating in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program need to refer to their state deadlines for attestation.
Hospitals must attest to demonstrating meaningful use every year to receive an incentive and avoid a payment adjustment.
Payment Adjustments
Payment adjustments will be applied beginning FY 2015 (October 1, 2014) to Medicare eligible hospitals that have not successfully demonstrated meaningful use. The adjustment is determined by the hospital’s reporting period in a prior year. Read the eligible hospital payment adjustment tipsheet to learn more.
Fiscal Year 2014
October 1, 2013 marks the start of FY 2014 and many important milestones for eligible hospitals, including:
- The start of Stage 2 for eligible hospitals that have completed at least two years of Stage 1.
- A reduced EHR incentive payment for hospitals that begin participation in 2014 and later.
- A 3-month reporting period in 2014, regardless of the stage of meaningful use to allow more time to upgrade to 2014 certified EHR technology.
- The reporting period must be fixed to the quarter for Medicare eligible hospitals and CAHs.
- The reporting period can be any 90 days for Medicaid eligible hospitals and CAHs.
Resources
- Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator
- Attestation Worksheet for Eligible Hospitals and CAHs
- Attestation Guide for Eligible Hospitals
- Stage 2 Payment Adjustment Tipsheet for Eligible Hospitals
Plan Ahead
Review all of the important dates for the EHR Incentive Programs on the HIT Timeline.