Avoiding 2015 Meaningful Use Medicare Adjustments October 6, 2014 EHR, Medicare, Physician Resource EHR Incentive Programs, hardship exception, meaningful use 0 CMS has re-opened the window to apply to avoid 2015 payment adjustments. Medicare providers who are non-compliant in attaining meaningful use and would like to request an exemption from planned Medicare payment adjustments in 2015, must complete and submit an application form. CMS will review the applications and make a determination about each provider's eligibility for a hardship exception. The new deadline to apply for the hardship exception is 11:59 PM EST November 30, 2014. In 2009, Congress mandated payment adjustments be applied to Medicare eligible professionals who are not meaningful users of Certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) Technology under the Medicare EHR Incentive Programs. These payment adjustments are set to be implemented on January 1, 2015 for Medicare eligible professionals. Medicaid eligible professionals who can only participate in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and do not bill Medicare are not subject to these payment adjustments. Hardship Exceptions Eligible professionals and eligible hospitals may be exempt from payment adjustments if they can show that demonstrating meaningful use would result in a significant hardship. To be considered for an exception, an eligible professional or eligible hospital must complete a Hardship Exception application along with proof of the hardship. If approved, the hardship exception is valid for 1 payment year only. A new application must be submitted if the hardship continues for the following payment year. In no case may a provider be granted an exception for more than 5 years. Hardship Exception Extension Application Hardship Exception Application Extension Message Click here for the official CMS announcement. Comments are closed.
