January 3, 2011 marks the beginning of registration for those early bird EHR implementers that want to work to receive their ARRA stimulus incentives the first year of availability.
If you have an updated, certified EHR, you may choose to begin to qualify for your stimulus money as soon as next week. If you are not quite ready- don't panic. To make the program (and the money) as accessible as possible you only have to report for 90-consecutive days in 2011. In 2012, whether it's your first or second reporting year, you will have to report for the entire year in order to qualify for stimulus payments.
Per the ONC, registration for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, begins January 3, 2011. For full details and information please visit the CMS web site. They have really updated and organized things, it is looking pretty good right now.
Also, I would recommend visiting the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's (ONC) web site and read taking a few minutes to read over Dr. Blumenthal's letter on why eligible health care professionals and hospitals should participate in the stimulus program, as well as how to get started.
Even if you are not ready for right now, or are not currently planning to begin participating in 2011. it would still be a good idea to check out the above information to see where you are at and where you might want to be over the next year. These two sites will give you the "from the horse's mouth" information you need to be in the know to get your dough!
No comments:
Post a Comment