EHR INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Non-Physician Providers Aren't Considered 'Eligible Professionals' in Medicare EHR Incentive Program

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand whether their practice or provider type may be eligible for EHR incentive payments and highlights program features that can affect planning, compliance, and documentation readiness. It is especially relevant for organizations evaluating EHR adoption and monitoring CMS program updates.

Article Sections

1. Program overview and CMS guidance

   Introduces CMS outreach on the EHR incentive program and summarizes the broad purpose of the guidance. It also references the timing of the agency’s proposal and related forum discussion.

2. Certified EHR systems and meaningful use

   Covers the need for certified EHR technology and the role of CMS terminology related to program participation. It also notes the status of certification availability and where standards were discussed.

3. Who is an EP?

   Describes the provider categories discussed by CMS for Medicare participation and notes that some other provider types were addressed in the broader incentive context. This section focuses on eligibility framework rather than operational details.

4. Hospital-based eligible professionals

   Summarizes CMS discussion of hospital-based status within the proposed program framework and the setting-based criteria referenced in the article. It addresses how this topic affected incentive eligibility considerations.

5. Privacy and non-participating practices

   Reviews the article’s broad privacy and participation notes, including the applicability of health information privacy requirements and the treatment of non-participating Medicare practices. It also mentions where readers could find program materials and submit comments.