The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is allowing providers who submit a hardship exception application to still attest to the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program for the 2015 EHR Reporting Period.
Submission of a hardship exception application by the March 15, 2016 deadline does not prevent providers from attesting and receiving an incentive payment if meaningful use requirements are met. Attestation for the 2015 EHR reporting period is currently open. CMS urges providers to try to attest by the March 11, 2016 attestation deadline. If providers attest successfully, they will avoid the payment adjustment in 2017 and may also be eligible to receive an EHR incentive payment.
However, if providers cannot attest for a 2015 reporting period— or if they believe their attestation may be unsuccessful—then they may apply for a hardship exception to avoid the payment adjustment in 2017. The application will not prevent providers from earning an incentive if their attestation is successful. The deadline to submit a hardship exception application is March 15, 2016 for eligible professionals.
Practice Fusion is excited to partner with providers and to provide you with our free EHR and resources to be successful with attestation
Dates to Remember
| Medicare Attestation for 2015 EHR Submission Period | January 4, 2016 – March 11, 2016 |
| Submission of a hardship exception application | March 15, 2016 |
| 2016 Medicare EP Reconsideration Application Submission Period | January 01, 2016 – February 29, 2016 |
