Implementation of health IT products like EMR is not only helpful to the healthcare professionals but also to the patients as well as the entire healthcare industry. However, the implementation cost has been a big hurdle in the path of smooth implementation. Recent Federal legislation has charted a new path forward. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, authorized expenditures of at least $20 billion to promote the adoption and use of EMR solutions / EHR technologies that would ideally be connected through a national health information network.
The Medicare program enables you to qualify for $44,000 if you are meeting CMS criteria for Meaningful Use with your electronic medical records software. The Medicaid program incentives reach $63,750. The Medicaid program is easier to qualify for in the first year, but it is in the hands of the individual states to conduct this program. Also, as a provider, you will need to see at least 30% Medicaid patients to qualify for this program.
To qualify for these incentive dollars, providers must be using a Meaningful Use certified EMR product. Vendors are quickly pursuing Meaningful Use certification for 3rd parties.
The Medicare program enables you to qualify for $44,000 if you are meeting CMS criteria for Meaningful Use with your electronic medical records software. The Medicaid program incentives reach $63,750. The Medicaid program is easier to qualify for in the first year, but it is in the hands of the individual states to conduct this program. Also, as a provider, you will need to see at least 30% Medicaid patients to qualify for this program.
To qualify for these incentive dollars, providers must be using a Meaningful Use certified EMR product. Vendors are quickly pursuing Meaningful Use certification for 3rd parties.
