The Obama stimulus plans funds and expands the Bush mandates and incentives for EHR adoption by 2014.  Early adopters will benefit the most.  The stimulus plans HITECH act provides $17 billion in physician incentives paid to participating medicare/medicaid providers who adopt certified, connected EHR technology that complies with PQRI.  This means physicians can earn $44, 000 to $64,000 over five years with payment beginning in 2011.  Late adopters will receive significantly less.  2015 brings reduction in Medicare/Medicaid fees for non-EHR providers. 

Obama Stimulus Plans effect for physicians-The HITECH act based on Medicare/Medicaid

-$44,000/$64,000 per physician incentives for early adopters deploying EHR by 2011

-Use of a certified product as determined appropriate by the Sec. of HHS

-Physicians must demonstrate “Meaningful Use” of a certified EHR

-The EHR technology must be connected to other providers and entities

-Must comply with submission of reports on clinical quality measures (PQRI)

CMS Web site on recover act and Health information technology now available.

CMS fact sheet on EHR incentives

CMS fact sheet on ePrescribing incentives

The HITECH Act in the Obama stimulus plan provides the EHR incentives for EHR deployment.  PQRI incentives provide additional incentives for quality care reporting and EHR deployment.  The PQRI and ePrescribing incentives are in place now.

If you start now...Understanding the Stimulus

HITECH ACT Information from Eyefinity/Officemate & upcoming WebCast Seminars