E-prescribe: You have new e-Rx exemptions and more time to file before 2013

Why This Topic Matters

These CMS updates affect whether practices may avoid a payment reduction and how they participate in Medicare quality and EHR-related incentive programs. The article is useful for organizations tracking reporting deadlines, exemption eligibility, and administrative requirements that can influence compliance planning.

Article Sections

1. CMS reopens hardship exemption filing

   This section covers the reopened CMS reporting opportunity and the related filing window for hardship exemptions. It also notes the program context in which the update applies.

2. New hardship exemptions

   This section outlines the newly added exemption categories tied to meaningful use and participation in the EHR incentive program. It describes the general basis CMS uses for granting these exemptions.

3. 4 other exemptions remain

   This section summarizes previously established exemption categories that continue to be available. It focuses on the broad circumstances addressed by the existing hardship pathway.

4. CMS lowers e-Rx threshold

   This section discusses changes to the reporting threshold for group practice participation under the program. It also mentions the affected reporting arrangement and the revised requirement period.