CMS issued a final rule establishing an incentive program for health care providers who adopt and use electronic prescribing systems, Health IT Strategist reports (Lubell, Health IT Strategist, 10/31).
Physicians and other clinicians participating in Medicare who adopt and use qualified e-prescribing systems could earn an incentive payment of 2% of their total Medicare-allowed charges during 2009.
Eligible physicians must use an e-prescribing system that can:
- Communicate with patients' pharmacies;
- Generate alerts about possible adverse events, such as drug interactions, improper dosing and allergy concerns; and
- Help physicians identify appropriate drugs and provide information on lower cost options (Monegain, Healthcare IT News, 10/31).
The final rule will be published Nov. 19 in the Federal Register, and comments will be accepted until Dec. 29.
Other Medicare Payment Increases
In addition to the e-prescribing incentive, physicians who successfully report measures under the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative will be eligible for a 2% incentive payment. Also, CMS will implement a 1.1% Medicare fee schedule increase as required under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (Health Data Management, 10/31).