Monday, October 3rd was the last day for 2011 that physicians and eligible professionals can begin their meaningful use attestation for the Medicare track of the HITECH Stimulus Program. The Medicare track pays eligible providers up to $44,000 each, and requires a 90-day attestation period where providers must meet all of the meaningful use criteria.
If you missed the deadline, don’t panic. You can still participate in the Medicare stimulus track. However, your attestation period will roll over into 2012, and you will receive your payments once your attestation period is over. Payment for the first year of Medicare is $18,000.
However, if your practice sees any Medicaid patients, you may be able to qualify for the Medicaid track. Your practice must see 30% Medicaid patients by volume. So far, most states allow Medicaid as primary, secondary, and tertiary insurance. You should have your billing staff run reports and see if you are close to 30%.
Medicaid does not require a 90-day attestation period. Instead, you just have to purchase or otherwise acquire a certified EHR system. Once your Regional Extension Center (REC) representative approves, you will receive payment in a few weeks. Payment for the first year of Medicaid is $20,000.
If you would like more information on Medicare or Medicaid stimulus, or EHR systems, please contact us at info@xlemr.com.
