This is a reminder that this Thursday, January 31, 2013 is the deadline to submit a request for a hardship exemption to avoid the 2013 eRx payment adjustment. The exemption categories are listed below.
To request an exemption based on one of the first four categories, you must go to the QualityNet portal found here: https://www.qualitynet.org/portal/server.pt/community/communications_support_system/234 QualityNet can be reached at 866-288-8912 if you have any difficulties with the portal.
Additionally, the two exemption categories highlighted in yellow are new for the 2013 eRx payment adjustment and does not require a request to be submitted via the QualityNet portal. If you are planning to use category number 6 below, please be reminded that your registration for the EHR Incentive Program AND the certification number of your certified health system must be completed in the EHR registration portal by January 31, 2013. Significant Hardship Exemption Category Method of Submission Deadline for 2013 Exemption 1. The eligible professional or group practice practices in a rural area with limited high speed internet access Web-based Communication Support Page Extended to January 31, 2013 2. The eligible professional or group practice practices in an area with limited available pharmacies for electronic prescribing Web-based Communication Support Page Extended to January 31, 2013 3. The eligible professional or group practice is unable to electronically prescribe due to local, state, or Federal law or regulation Web-based Communication Support Page Extended to January 31, 2013 4. The eligible professional or group practice has limited prescribing activity, as defined by an eligible professional generating fewer than 100 prescriptions during a 6-month reporting period Web-based Communication Support Page Extended to January 31, 2013 5. 2013 Adjustment: Eligible professionals or group practices who achieve meaningful use during the 2013 12- and 6-month eRx payment adjustment reporting periods (that is, January 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012); EHR Incentive Program’s Registration/ Attestation Page January 31, 2013 6. Eligible professionals or group practices who demonstrate intent to participate in the EHR Incentive Program and adoption of Certified EHR Technology EHR Incentive Program’s Registration/ Attestation Page January 31, 2013 Please see the link below for more information on the application of the 2013 eRx payment adjustment: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/ERxIncentive/Downloads/QRGuide_Underst2013eRxPayAdj_F090612.pdf
