Twenty-seven percent of surveyed behavioral health organizations say that all of their providers are eligible for Medicaid meaningful use payments, 37% say that some of their providers are eligible and 8% say that none of their providers are eligible, according to a report by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare.
Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments. Although behavioral health organizations are not eligible to receive meaningful use incentive payments, certain clinicians who work in behavioral health organizations -- such as psychiatrists, physicians and nurse practitioners -- can be eligible for Medicaid meaningful use incentive payments.
According to the National Council report, 18% of surveyed behavioral health organizations say they have not fully reviewed the Medicaid meaningful use criteria and 10% say they do not fully understand the criteria.
The report is based on an online survey completed by 406 community-based mental health and addiction treatment organizations that are members of the National Council.
Source: National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, "HIT Adoption and Readiness for Meaningful Use in Community Behavioral Health"