If you haven't started e-prescribing yet, the time is now.

To avoid a 2 percent penalty on all Medicare Part B claims in 2014, physicians must by June 30, 2013, report e-prescribing activity using measure code G8553 with at least 10 fee schedule services between January 1 and June 30, 2013. This is true even for physicians who are already reporting through an electronic health record (EHR) system. Please note: There is no incentive payment for e-prescribing in 2014.

June 30 is also the deadline to apply for an e-prescribing exemption for 2014, if you fall into one of the following hardship exemption categories:

• The physician is unable to electronically prescribe due to local, state or federal law or regulation;


• The physician has or will prescribe fewer than 100 prescriptions for all patients during a 6-month reporting period (January 1 through June 30, 2013);


• The physician practices in a rural area without sufficient high-speed Internet access


• The eligible professional practices in an area without sufficient available pharmacies for electronic prescribing

 

CMA strongly recommends that physicians submit more than 10 claims during the reporting period to ensure the minimum threshold is met. Exemptions must be requested through the Quality Net Portal.

Physicians may also avoid the penalty if they have demonstrated meaningful use of a certified EHR between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, or have registered to participate in the EHR Incentive Program.

For more information, see CMA's e-prescribing guide, "Medicare Electronic Prescribing Overview: Payment Incentives and Payment Reductions."

Contact: Michele Kelly, (213) 226-0338 or mkelly@cmadocs.org.