CHICAGO – May 4, 2012 – The American Medical Association (AMA) today reminds physicians that June 30, 2012 is the deadline to report on at least 10 electronic scripts to avoid the 2013 Medicare e-prescribing program penalty. Physicians who are not able to meet the requirements of the program should apply for a hardship exemption applicable to their particular case before the June 30, 2012 deadline.
“While we do not think physicians are being given enough time to comply with the Medicare e-prescribing program, we want to make them aware of the upcoming e-prescribing deadline so they can take steps now to prevent being hit with the 2013 penalty,” said AMA Immediate Past-President Cecil B. Wilson, M.D.
In November 2011 CMS released the final regulation on the 2013 Medicare e-prescribing penalty program. The penalty for not successfully participating in the program, or not filing for an exemption on time, is a 1.5 percent payment reduction for all Medicare claims based on the 2013 fee schedule amounts during the year. To apply for an exemption, visit www.qualitynet.org/portal/server.pt/community/communications_support_system/234.
To learn more about the e-prescribing penalty and the reporting requirements, visit www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/hit/avoid-erx-penalty-tip.pdf.
