The 2011 Medicare Electronic Health Records Incentive Program.

Abstract

This year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the initial stages of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Incentive Programs, which will financially reward physicians and hospitals for the “meaningful use” of EHR technology. With these programs, providers are eligible to earn up to $44,000 over 5 years in the Medicare program or $63,750 over 6 years in the Medicaid program. Starting in 2015, providers who do not use EHRs will be subject to penalties through the Medicare program. The total incentive payment awarded to an eligible provider (EP) or a hospital depends on the year in which they first qualify for one of the programs (see Table 1 for the Medicare program payments).