I am a dentist. What do I need to know about the EHR Incentive Program and meaningful use?
Q: What does “meaningful use” mean?
A: CMS established the EHR Incentive program to provide financial incentives to eligible providers/hospitals that are using certified EHR technology in a “meaningful” manner. In general, “meaningful use” refers to performance measures that show how a provider/hospital is using the EHR.
Q: Is an EDR required to participate in the EHR Incentive Program?
A: No. A dentist can demonstrate MU and qualify for incentives using either of the following:
- RPMS EHR and DDS Package, or
- RPMS EHR and EDR.
Q: What else do I need to know about eligibility?
A: To qualify for the Medicaid program:
- Dentists at Tribal facilities must have a needy individual patient volume of 30%. Needy individuals include Medicaid, CHIP, and uncompensated care.
- Dentists at IHS facilities must have a Medicaid patient volume of 30%.
Q: What do I have to do to qualify for a Medicaid incentive payment?
A: In your first year of participation, you only have to install a certified EHR.
After the first year, you must demonstrate MU by meeting established performance measure goals.
Q: How much are the Medicaid incentive payments?
A: A total of $63,750 is available over 6 years:
Year 1 — $21,250.
Years 2-6 — $8,500.
You must begin by 2016 to receive incentive payments.
Q: What is the Regional Extension Center?
A: The National Indian Health Board operates a REC as part of a Federal grant program designed to support eligible providers and hospitals in implementing EHRs and achieving MU.
Q: What is the difference between the Regional Extension Center and the EHR Incentive Program?
A: The REC supports providers/hospitals in achieving MU.
The EHR Incentive Program rewards providers/hospitals for achieving MU.
Q: Why should I sign up with the NIHB REC?
A: The NIHB REC is working in collaboration with IHS in several ways, including:
- Supporting the work of the EHR deployment team, and
- Providing EHR training.
Q: How do I get started?
A: First, visit NIHB’s web site to sign up with the REC (www.nihb.org).
Next, visit the CMS web site to register for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program (www.cms.gov/ehrincentiveprograms).
Finally, register with your state Medicaid program (if program has launched).
Q: I am a Commissioned Officer. Am I eligible to participate in the EHR Incentive Program?
A: Yes, if you meet other eligibility requirements.