Are there any special incentives for rural providers in the EHR Incentive Programs?
Under the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, the annual incentive payment limit for each payment year will be increased by 10 percent for eligible professionals (EPs) who predominantly furnish services in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Critical access hospitals (CAHs) can receive an incentive payment amount equal to the product of its reasonable costs incurred for the purchase of certified EHR technology and the Medicare share percentage. Under Medicaid, there are no additional incentives for rural providers, beyond the incentives already available. Question #10087: Can an eligible hospital implement an EHR system and satisfy meaningful use requirements at any time Answer: For an eligible hospital’s first payment year, the EHR reporting period is a continuous 90-day period within a Federal Fiscal Year, so an eligible hospital must satisfy the meaningful use requirements for 90 consecutive days within their first Federal Fiscal Year of participating in the program to qualify f
