UPDATE: CMS has announced a second window for applying for the 2013 hardship exemption from 11/1/2012 through 1/31/2013. Click Here for more info.
UPDATE: CMS has released information for applying for the 2013 hardship exemption. Check out our “Medicare This Week” post from 6/8/2012 for more info.
UPDATE: The submission period for applying for a 2012 hardship exemption for failing to e-prescribe in 2011 is over.
CMS has just announced the process for applying for a hardship exemption from the 2012 1% Medicare payment adjustment (i.e. reduction.)
If you are participating as an individual Eligible Professional…
…use the new CMS provider webpage, called the Quality Reporting Communication Support Page, to enter the request and supporting rationale. Your request must be submitted by November 1, 2011. A Quality Communications Support Page User Manualis available to answer questions eligible professionals may have.
If you are participating using the Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO)…
…Group practices selected for and participating in the 2011 GPRO I or II reporting option wishing to submit a 2012 exemption request should submit a letter to: Significant Hardship Exemptions, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, Quality Measurement and Health Assessment Group, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S3-02-01, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. This letter must be postmarked no later than November 1, 2011.
To help eligible professionals and group practices understand the key provisions and impact of the 2011 Medicare Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program Final Rule, A Quick Reference Guide has been posted to the eRx Incentive Program website on the “Educational Resources” page. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing the 2011 eRx Final Rule, as well as other information and resources about the eRx Incentive Program can be found at the eRx Incentive Program website here.
