Can I receive the maximum allowable electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments if they total more than the purchase cost of my EHR system?
Yes. As long as an eligible professional (EP) or eligible hospital meets all necessary requirements for qualifying for incentive payments, they will receive the maximum incentive payment amount, regardless of the purchase or implementation costs of their EHR system. For Medicaid, there is a requirement that an EP is responsible for at least 15% of net average allowable costs in each year. In the first year, this means the EP is responsible for expenditures of at least $3,750. The final rule for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs provides additional explanation of what it means for the EP to be “responsible” for such amount, including allowing an employer of the EP to incur the $3,750 on the EP employee’s behalf. However, theoretically, there could be a situation where neither the EP, nor his or her employer expends more than $3,750 in total costs on the certified EHR technology. To view the final rule, please visit: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-17207.pdf .
