In one such example, GAO reports that the EHR program provides incentives for meaningful use of health IT from 2011-2016 with penalties being introduced in 2015, whereas the e-prescribing program provides incentives from 2009-2013 with penalties being introduced from 2012-2014.
Both programs also have established differing reporting requirements related to e-prescribing, which could place a bigger burden on physicians who are eligible to earn incentive payments from both programs.
GAO has made three recommendations to CMS: Encourage physicians and other providers in the e-prescribing program to adopt certified technology; Expedite efforts to remove overlap in reporting requirements for physicians in both programs; and Identify factors that helped or hindered implementation of the e-prescribing program to help support the ongoing implementation of the EHR program.
Read the GAO report about the e-prescribing and EHR incentive programs (pdf).
Read other coverage about GAO:
– GAO Report Highlights Concern Over Telecommunication Needs of Rural Providers
– GAO Report Finds Integrated Systems Improve Care and Access, but Still Face Challenges
