In mid-December, Congress adopted a last-minute bill that gives the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the authority to grant a blanket exception for all eligible physicians who apply for an exemption from the 2015 meaningful use penalties.

This action prevents CMS from implementing Medicare payment penalties for physicians who fail to demonstrate meaningful use of a certified electronic health record system in 2015. Many eligible professionals were unable to report meaningful use last year because CMS didn't publish the updated regulations until fewer than 90 days remained in the calendar year.

To help its membership navigate the hardship exemptions process, the California Medical Association (CMA) has published “Meaningful Use Hardship Exception Frequently Asked Questions.” This document answers questions about the blanket exemption, including who should apply, deadlines and more.

This free members-only resource is available in CMA's online store.

Contact: CMA reimbursement helpline, (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmadocs.org.