Changes finalized to eRx program

Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new final rule, making changes to the Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program for 2011.

Under the new rule, an additional type of eRx system will qualify for the program, and the types of hardship exemptions available for clinicians who cannot e-prescribe have also been expanded. Under the 2011 program, clinicians who do not successfully use an eRx system during 2011 will be subject to a payment penalty on their 2012 Medicare payments. Clinicians who may qualify for an exemption have by Nov. 1, 2011 to apply. Additional information is available on the College website.