Medicare E-Prescribing Incentive Program Update

Written by Reed Tinsley | January 22, 2009

Beginning January 1, 2009, eligible professionals can participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program by reporting on their adoption and use of an e-prescribing system by submitting information on one e-prescribing measure on their Medicare Part B claims. For the 2009 e-prescribing reporting year, to be a successful e-prescriber and to qualify to receive an incentive payment, an eligible professional must report one e-prescribing measure in at least 50 percent of the cases in which the measure is reportable by the eligible professional during 2009. There is no sign-up or pre-registration to participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program. For more information, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI and select “E-Prescribing Incentive Program” in the left column.

In October 2008, CMS and 34 partner organizations hosted a meeting about the mechanics of implementing an e-prescribing program in a practice. Audiotapes and slides are now archived online for continuing education credit. The Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Pharmacist Association are pleased to provide continuing medical education (a maximum of 22.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (risk management study for Massachusetts physicians) and continuing education for pharmacists (up to 13.25 hours of continuing education credit (1.325 CEUs)). Go to www.massmed.org/cme/CMS_eprescribing to view the presentations and hear the audiotapes of the program. There are no registration or certificate fees.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

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