Can a physician be penalized for not utilizing an EHR by 2015?
Beginning in 2015, physicians not demonstrating meaningful use of an EHR will face penalties in the form of reductions to their Medicare fees schedule reimbursement rates. The penalty will equal 1% in 2015, 2% in 2016, and 3% in 2017 and each subsequent year. Under the bill, the Secretary can increase the penalty to 5% if fewer than 75% of eligible physicians are not utilizing an EHR by 2018.
