The Clinical Informatics Board results are in!

Congratulations to everyone who passed the exam this year.

Clinical Informatics is the application of informatics and information technology to deliver healthcare services. It is also referred to as applied clinical informatics and operational informatics.

Special thanks to the AMIA faculty and Staff for helping prepare the applicants:

Dr Bill Hersh
Dr Bimal Desai
Dr Diane Montella
Dr Thomas Payne

AMIA

2013 Diplomates List

2014 Diplomates List

LinkedIn Group

AMIA is the professional home of leading informaticians: clinicians, scientists, researchers, educators, students, and other informatics professionals who rely on data to connect people, information, and technology.
AMIA (the American Medical Informatics Association) is the center of action for more than 4,000 health care professionals, informatics researchers, and thought-leaders in biomedicine, health care and science. AMIA is an unbiased, authoritative source within the informatics community and the health care industry. AMIA and its members are transforming healthcare through trusted science, education, and practice in biomedical and health informatics.
The science of informatics drives innovation that is defining future approaches to information and knowledge management in biomedical research, clinical care, and public health.
As the voice of the nation’s top biomedical and health informatics professionals, AMIA members play a leading role in:

• moving basic research findings from bench to bedside;
• evaluating interventions across communities;
• assessing the impact of health innovations on health policy; and
• advancing the field of informatics.

mHealth Summit December 7, 2014

The largest event of its kind, the mHealth Summit gathers a uniquely diverse international delegation, including healthcare technology officials in government and industry; policymakers; academic researchers and students; healthcare providers; entrepreneurs; investors; public health and safety officials and patient advocates from across mobile and connected health.

It's not too late to Register.


Healthcare is the wild frontier in wireless technology. The mHealth Summit offers exciting opportunities to advance collaboration in the use of mobile and connected health, learn about the latest innovations, research, trends and big ideas shaping a new global paradigm in healthcare delivery, shifting the focus to consumers, and defining a new role for technology that is making the pursuit of health an engaging part of everyday life. mHealth’s capacity to deliver healthcare responsively—at the right time and the right place—to influence both personal and population health is, in a time of global healthcare crisis, fundamental to the future of human health. And it’s changing fast. The mHealth Summit is the venue for keeping informed, getting ahead, and discovering new solutions through dialogue with stakeholders you can’t meet anywhere else.  - 

Show Support for HR 5481, Flexibility in Health IT Reporting Act

Attesting to Meaningful Use has its challenges.

This is a request to make the reporting period for 2015 only 3 months instead of 12, thus giving us all more time to comply with the standards. SV

I recommend going to the link by the end of the month.


In early September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on 2014 Meaningful Use reporting that offered some level of flexibility for providers who are attempting to use Certified EHR Technology to report on their adherence to Meaningful Use Stage 1 or Stage 2 in 2014. The final rule gives flexibility for 2014, but requires a full-year of Meaningful Use reporting for 2015, which for hospitals starts in one week on October 1, 2014, and in three months for eligible professionals (January 1, 2015). The short implementation window is an incredibly difficult challenge for even the most prepared providers. On September 16, Representative Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) introduced H.R. 5481 - The Flexibility in Health IT Reporting (Flex-IT) Act of 2014. Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT-04) has signed on as an original co-sponsor. This important legislation would ensure health care providers receive the flexibility they need to successfully comply with HHS’ Meaningful Use Program in 2015. The Flex-IT Act will allow providers to report on their meaningful use compliance in 2015 for a three-month reporting period as opposed to a full year. This shortened reporting period is an important first step in helping to ensure providers remain in the Meaningful Use program and continue to use IT to support healthcare transformation. Your immediate attention and action is needed to help Congress understand the importance of this legislation! Use the HIMSS Legislative Action Center to get your member of Congress involved!

Educational Dinner Presentation: Deja MU: Finding New Insights in “Old” Data

Educational Dinner Presentation: Deja MU: Finding New Insights in “Old” Data

Please join your industry peers for dinner, networking, and a brief presentation

led by Encore, A Quintiles Company, showing how you can leverage existing data assets

(such as your Meaningful Use data) to improve patient safety and outcomes.

Dr. Jon Morris, VP Provider Solutions & CMIO,

will show how existing data can provide further insights and

help you succeed in the shift to value-based payments.

November 4, 2014 -6:30 PM

Cocktail & Dinner

Presentation co-hosted by Encore & HIMSS NYS Chapter

Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel,

714 7th Ave W 48th St, New York, NY 10036

http://www.rloungetimessquare.com/

Please RSVP by (October 31, 2014) to Jean Parker, jparker@encorehealthresources.com

For more information, please visit:

http://nys.himsschapter.org/

www.encorehealthresources.com

Jean Mahoney Parker | Client Services Executive

Encore, a Quintiles Company

jparker@encorehealthresources.com
www.EncoreHealthResources.com

phone: 773-603-4063

NYeHealth Collaborative: Patient Centered Medical Home Webinar 09/18/2014

Check out tomorrow's informative presentation. SV


Here is a link to April's presentation:

Patient-Centered Medical Home - Transform Your Practice-20140410 1559-1 
April 10, 2014, 11:59 am New York Time 
59 mins 

Agenda:

oWhat is a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?

oBenefits of PCMH to your practice

oAlignment with Meaningful Use and Accountable Care Organizations

oResearch Findings

oRecognition Programs

oNational and New York State Activities

oHow NYeC Can Help Practices

CMS Telemedicine proposal for 2015 Fact Sheet

This a a good first step towards acknowledging that managing care requires multiple reimbursable approaches. SV

Primary care and complex chronic care management

Medicare continues to emphasize primary care management services by beginning to make separate payment for chronic care management (CCM) services beginning in 2015. In last year’s final rule, we established policy to make separate payment for non-face-to-face chronic care management services for Medicare beneficiaries who have multiple, significant chronic conditions (two or more). Chronic care management services include regular development and revision of a plan of care, communication with other treating health professionals, and medication management.

This proposed rule addresses three aspects of CCM services. We propose a payment rate of $41.92 for the code that can be billed no more frequently than once per month per qualified patient. We also propose to allow greater flexibility in the supervision of clinical staff providing CCM services. Finally, we are not proposing to establish separate standards that practitioners and practices furnishing this service would have to meet, as we had indicated last year. Upon further review, we believe the scope of service requirements for CCM, most of which were finalized last year, would be sufficient for practitioners to deliver CCM. We are proposing one additional requirement – standards for electronic health records – and seek comment on whether additional standards are needed. Payment for CCM is only one part of a multi-faceted CMS initiative to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to primary care. Models being tested through the Innovation Center will continue to explore other primary care innovations.

CMS Fact Sheet

Dr Farzad Mostashari launches Aledade

Dr Farzad Mostashari has launched Aledade a company that will help primary care doctors form Accountable Care Organizations or ACOs. SV

Aledade

Aledade's Founding Team

Twitter Search #Aledade

Articles on Aledade

Dr Steven Stack, named President-Elect of AMA!

Congratulations Steven. Well Deserved! SV

Steven J. Stack, MD, an emergency physician residing in Lexington, Ky., was first elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees (BOT) in June 2006. Board-certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Stack currently practices in Lexington and surrounding central Kentucky.

Dr. Stack has served as medical director of multiple emergency departments, including St. Joseph East (Lexington), St. Joseph Mt. Sterling (rural eastern Kentucky) and Baptist Memorial Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.). He is the first emergency medicine board-certified physician to serve on the AMA-BOT.

Dr. Stack has special expertise in health information technology (IT) and has been chair of the AMA’s Health Information Technology Advisory Group from 2007 to 2013. He has also served on multiple federal advisory groups for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), including the Information Exchange, PCAST Report, and Strategic Plan workgroups.

Dr. Stack will be the youngest AMA president in the past century.

AMA Press Release

CMS and ONC Release NPRM Allowing CEHRT Flexibility and Extending Stage 2

Keep sending in the feedback. SV

Today, CMS and ONC released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would allow providers participating in the EHR Incentive Programs to use the 2011 Edition of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) for calendar and fiscal year 2014. 

The NPRM will grant flexibility to providers who are experiencing difficulties fully implementing 2014 Edition CEHRT to attest this year. The proposed rule would allow providers to use EHRs that have been certified under the 2011 Edition, a combination of the 2011 and 2014 Editions, or the 2014 Edition.

Beginning in 2015, all eligible providers would be required to report using 2014 Edition CEHRT.

2014 Participation Options
Under this proposal, valid only for the 2014 reporting year, providers would be able to use 2011 Edition CEHRT for either Stage 1 or Stage 2, would have the option to attest to the 2013 definition of meaningful use core and menu objectives, and use the 2013 definition CQMs.

Providers currently working on Stage 1 in 2014 would be able to demonstrate:

• Stage 1 (2013 Definition) using 2011 Edition CEHRT, or using a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT; or
• Stage 1 (2014+ Definition) using 2014 Edition CEHRT.

Providers currently working on Stage 2 in 2014 would be able to demonstrate:

• Stage 1 (2013 Definition) using 2011 Edition CEHRT, or using a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT;
• Stage 1 (2014+ Definition) using 2014 Edition CEHRT; or
• Stage 2 (2014+ Definition) using 2014 Edition CEHRT.

Extending Stage 2
The proposed rule also includes a provision that would formalize CMS and ONC’srecommended timeline to extend Stage 2 through 2016. If finalized, the earliest a provider would participate in Stage 3 of meaningful use would be 2017.

For More Information

Visit the CMS Newsroom to read the press release about the NPRM.

Happy Nurses Week May 6- 12, 2014

Thank you for all you do! SV


American Nurses Association
Nursing Informatics

NYeHealth Collaborative: Patient Centered Medical Home Webinar

Check out this informative presentation. SV

Patient-Centered Medical Home - Transform Your Practice-20140410 1559-1 
April 10, 2014, 11:59 am New York Time 
59 mins 

Agenda:

oWhat is a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?

oBenefits of PCMH to your practice

oAlignment with Meaningful Use and Accountable Care Organizations

oResearch Findings

oRecognition Programs

oNational and New York State Activities

oHow NYeC Can Help Practices

NCQA PCMH 2011 Deadline is looming

Here are some important deadline and links FOR 2011 and 2014. SV

The last day to purchase the 2011 PCMH Survey Tool is June 30, 2014. All 2011 PCMH Survey Tools must be submitted by March 31, 2015. For additional information, see the Start-to-Finish PCMH Recognition page.

NCQA PCMH

Eligible Professionals Must Start Medicare EHR Participation in 2014 to Earn Incentives

Important Medicare Deadline Approaching for Eligible Professionals

If you are an eligible professional for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, 2014 is the last year you can start participation in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in order to receive incentive payments.

Eligible professionals who begin participation in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program after 2014 will not be able to earn an incentive payment for that year or any subsequent year of participation.

If you choose to participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program for the first time in 2014, you should begin your 90-day reporting period no later than July 1, 2014and submit attestation by October 1, 2014 in order to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015.

Note: October 1 is the attestation deadline for eligible professionals in their first year of participation to avoid the payment adjustment. However, eligible professionals who miss this deadline can still demonstrate meaningful use during the last 90-day reporting period of the year (October - December 2014) and earn an incentive payment for 2014.

Providers Who First Begin Participation in 2014 must:

• Demonstrate Stage 1 of meaningful use
• Meet 2014 EHR certification criteria
• Select any 90-day reporting period to demonstrate meaningful use, but must start no later than July 1, in order to avoid the adjustment

To Earn Your Maximum Medicare Incentive

• Demonstrate 90 days of Stage 1 of meaningful use in 2014 to earn up to $11,760.
• Demonstrate a full year of Stage 1 of meaningful use in 2015 to earn up to $7,840.
• Demonstrate a full year of Stage 2 of meaningful use in 2016 to earn up to $3,920.

If you successfully demonstrate meaningful use each year beginning in 2014, your total payment amount could be as much as $23,520.

Additional Resources
The EHR Incentive Program website offers several helpful tools and resources so you can successfully begin participation:

• An Introduction to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program for Eligible Professionals
• Interactive Eligibility Assessment Tool
• The Stage 1 Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator
• My EHR Participation Timeline
• Payment Adjustments & Hardship Exceptions Tipsheet for Eligible Professionals

NYeHealth Collaborative: Patient Centered Medical Home Webinar

Check out this informative presentation. SV

Patient-Centered Medical Home - Transform Your Practice-20140410 1559-1 
April 10, 2014, 11:59 am New York Time 
59 mins 

Agenda:

oWhat is a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?

oBenefits of PCMH to your practice

oAlignment with Meaningful Use and Accountable Care Organizations

oResearch Findings

oRecognition Programs

oNational and New York State Activities

oHow NYeC Can Help Practices

NYC REACH Live Webinar Series: Meaningful Use Stage 2

NYC REACH Live Webinar Series:
Meaningful Use Stage 2
 

Are you preparing to start Meaningful Use Stage 2? NYC REACH invites you to our Meaningful Use Stage 2 Live Webinar Series. These upcoming four webinars will focus on different key Stage 2 topics, including:
 

• Stage 2 Overview: Core/Menu Measures & CQMs - Thursday, April 10th, 9am - 10am
  • ​Overview of measures and Stage 2 preparation checklist including patient portal, system upgrades, and interfaces.
     
• ​Stage 2 Transitions of Care & Cancer/Disease Registry Reporting - Thursday, April 24th, 9am - 10am
  • ​Overview of Meaningful Use measures related to transitions of care, cancer registry reporting, and disease reporting. 
     
• ​Stage 2 Patient Portal: Engaging Patients Electronically - Thursday, May 8th, 9am - 10am
  • ​​Patient Portal features and benefits, requirements for Meaningful Use Stage 2, and practice workflow tools and tips.
     
• ​Stage 2 Privacy and Security: Best Practices and Meaningful Use - Thursday, May 22nd, 9am - 10am
  • ​​Updates on Privacy and Security measures, exclusions, best practices, and tools.

​
Once registered, you will receive an email 1-2 days before the webinar with login instructions. Please be sure to provide your full name and a valid e-mail address when registering. If you have any questions about these webinars, please contact Victoria Pascoe at vpascoe@health.nyc.gov or (347) 396-4693. 

ONC: A 10 year retrospective with interviews

An interesting article including interviews with the ONC leaders.

Modern Healthcare

NYC REACH Open Houses: The Bronx and Queens

Upcoming Open Houses

NYC REACH invites you to attend our 2014 Open House Series. Taking place throughout the five boroughs throughout the year, these open houses will provide an overview of what to expect in 2014. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear a provider perspective on Health Information Technology and network with other providers from their area. 


Bronx Open House
Tuesday, April 22nd
Lehman College
50 Bedford Park Blvd W
Bronx, New York


Queens Open House
Thursday, May 1st
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
NYC Department of Health
42-09 28th Street, Room 12-22
Long Island City, Queens

If you have any questions about these events, please contact pcipcomms@health.nyc.gov

Governor Cuomo Names Primary Care Partnership as "Pay for Success" Finalist

Congratulations to the Finalists! SV

Governor Cuomo Names Primary Care Partnership as "Pay for Success" Finalist

(March 14, 2014)  Governor Andrew Cuomo last week announced that a primary care partnership is one of four finalists for New York State's "Pay for Success" initiative.  The partnership consists of the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC), three federally qualified community health centers - HRHCare Community Health, The Institute for Family Health, Open Door Family Medical Centers, Inc., and Hudson Information Technology for Community Health (HITCH). 

In announcing the finalists on March 6th, Governor Cuomo stated: "This public-private partnership model is one we see working over and over again and one that saves taxpayers money and improves how we deliver services here in New York." Read the Governor's press release here.

The partnership seeks to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults in New York City and the Hudson Valley by improving the identification of at-risk patients, and engaging patients in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "National Diabetes Prevention Program" (NDPP). Evidence shows that successful completion of the NDPP reduces a patient's risk of getting diabetes by 58%. The three health centers care for roughly 140,000 adult patients: an estimated 8.8% are diabetic and at least 8.3% are prediabetic. The five-year initiative is expected to benefit about 3,600 patients and save about $10 million in health care costs. Longer term cumulative savings to all levels of government are projected at $47 million. The award will be final upon approval of the State budget and completion of a contract between the partnership and the State.

"Pay for Success" projects, often financed through Social Impact Bonds, are an innovative method of funding projects that benefit the public. In New York's Pay for Success program, the state and service providers (such as healthcare providers) will agree upon performance goals, and private and philanthropic investors will fund the projects at no initial cost to the state. The state will repay investors based on the program's performance, and will only make payments if the goals are achieved. 

PCDC is a nonprofit that provides affordable capital, expert technical assistance and public advocacy to expand and transform primary care in underserved communities to improve health outcomes, lower health costs and reduce disparities. HRHCare Community Health, The Institute for Family Health and Open Door Family Medical Centers, Inc. are federally qualified health center networks that operate 50 community health centers in New York State.  The centers offer primary care, dental care and mental health care for children and adults.  All of the centers have been designated Patient Centered Medical Homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.HITCH is a non-profit coalition that promotes high quality health care among safety-net primary care providers.

 For more information visit: www.pcdc.org; www.institute2000.org; www.hrhcare.org;www.opendoormedical.org; and www.hitch.org.

Contact Information:

Dan Lowenstein (PCDC) - 212-437-3942, dlowenstein@pcdc.org

Lauren Candela-Katz, (HRHCare Community Health) 914-734-8555, lcandelakatz@hrhcare.org

Lindsay Farrell, (Open Door Family Medical Centers, Inc.) 914-502-1450, lfarrell@odfmc.org

Maxine Golub (The Institute for Family Health) - 212-633-0800 ext 1286mgolub@institute2000.org

Helene Kopal (HITCH), 914-488-6401, hkopal@hitch.org

Allscripts: HIMSS Analytics Announces First Certified Educator of the EMR Adoption Model

Congratulations! SV

“Allscripts is honored to be named the first Certified Educator for EMRAM,” said Paul M. Black, President and Chief Executive Officer, Allscripts. “The certification will enable Allscripts to better assist our clients in achieving HIMSS Stage 6 or 7, critical for future success for healthcare organizations.”

HIMSS ANALYTICS

CMS: Meaningful Use Medicare Payment Adjustments & Hardship Exceptions Tipsheet for Eligible Professionals

The AMA has put together an excellent document explaining the hardship exceptions. SV


AMA

CMS

AHIMA ICD-10 Clinical Documentation Training for Physicians and Clinicians

Check it out and let us know what you think. SV

Product Demonstration

Relevant Physician Training by Specialty

The deadline for the transition to ICD-10 is October 1, 2014. The American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA's) new clinical documentation for ICD-10 training provides interactive, online training on the documentation needed to meet ICD-10-CM/PCS's requirements.

Written by physicians, CDI specialist, and medical coding experts, these bite-sized, on-demand modules ensure relevant and targeted clinical documentation support for physicians and clinicians.

The program customizes learning by delivering three-to-five-minute modules covering each physician's 10 to 20 most billed diagnoses and conditions, making learning targeted and highly relevant.

Clinicians love AHIMA's ICD-10 Clinical Documentation Training because its design works with their busy schedules and is proven to be more effective in retaining necessary information.

Advantages include:

• Short, self-paced training modules
• Specialty-specific training
• Case-based, real-life examples
• Computer, tablet, or smartphone access
• IOS and Android App
• Interactive learning for greatest recall
• CM and PCS
• Earn CMEs

Improved Documentation = More Accurate Coding =
Fewer Returned Queries

To register for this complimentary online event

Go here to register for the March 4 web demo, from 1–2 p.m. CT.
Go here to register for the March 5 web demo, from 2–3 p.m. CT.

CMS ICD-10 eHealth University Resources

ICD-10 eHealth University Resources

CMS has launched eHealth University, a new go-to resource to help providers understand, implement, and successfully participate in CMS eHealth programs. eHealth University features a full curriculum of materials and information, all in one location. The education modules are organized by level, from beginner to advanced, and simplify complex information in a variety of formats, including  fact sheets, guides, videos, checklists, webinar recordings, and more.

As part of eHealth University, CMS is offering several resources to help you prepare for the October 1, 2014, ICD-10 compliance date. These include:

• Introduction to ICD-10 – This fact sheet provides an introduction to ICD-10 and explains the key steps for switching to ICD-10.
• Transition Checklist: Large Practices and Transition Checklist: Small and Medium Practices – These checklists outline tasks and estimated timeframes for important ICD-10 transition activities for small, medium, and large practices.
• Basics for Small and Rural Practices – This beginner-level fact sheet provides basics about the ICD-10 transition for small and rural practices, including background on ICD-10, important questions to answer about ICD-10 preparations, and resources to help prepare for the compliance date.
• Introduction to ICD-10 for Providers  - This in-depth guide for providers explains the background behind ICD-10, why the transition is important, how providers can prepare for ICD-10, and important resources to help transition.

Once you have an understanding of the basics of ICD-10 through these beginner-level resources, check out the intermediate and advanced resources also available on the eHealth University website. By using these tools, you can better prepare for October 1, 2014, and help ensure a smooth transition to ICD-10.

Keep Up to Date on ICD-10
Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources to help you prepare for the October 1, 2014, compliance date. Sign up for CMS ICD-10 Industry Email Updates and follow us on Twitter.

Pharmacy Technology Conference Friday, March 21, 2014

Pharmacy Technology Conference
Friday, March 21, 2014
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences


On March 21, 2014 all of the practice-based, state-wide, professional pharmacy organizations in New York State are collaborating to sponsor the first Pharmacy Technology Summit in Albany, NY. Representatives of the NYS Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement will also be joining the conference. The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will serve as the host for the conference.

The purpose of this conference is to serve as forum for a discussion of the important and evolving role of technology and information management in contemporary pharmacy practice, especially its relevance to changing health care delivery systems under health care reform. The focus will be on patient safety, improved efficiency and value, and the potential to redeploy pharmacists for direct patient care roles. The important consideration of the regulatory framework, changes that may have to be considered to keep pace with practice technologies, and the potential impact on the safe and effective implementation of automation and informatics will also be a focus throughout the day.

The format for the day will include a keynote presentation followed by four topic discussions by experts in their area. Each topic will be followed by panel discussions involving practitioners, pharmacy leaders and State Board members. The four topics and committed speakers are:

• IVA Technology – Robotics and Automated Workflow Management (William W. Churchill, MS, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Partners Healthcare)
• Hospital Dispensing Technologies – Robotics, ADCs, Controlled Substances (Dave F. Webster, MS, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital)
• Technology and Automated Workflow in Ambulatory/Community Pharmacy (TBD)
• Informatics, Health Information Exchange and Pharmacy Practice (TBD)

Event details and Registration: http://www.pssny.org/events/event_details.asp?id=398835#

NYC REACH Brooklyn Open House Tuesday March 20 2014

NYC REACH Brooklyn Open House
Thursday, March 20th

NYC REACH invites you to the third event in our 2014 Open House Series. This open house will provide an overview of what to expect in 2014.

This event will include presentations that cover:

·         2014 State of Health in Brooklyn

·         2014 changes to Meaningful Use

·         Provider's Perspective on the impact of Health Information Technology

·         Services available to your practice from NYC REACH

Attendees will also have an opportunity to interact with representatives from EHR and IT vendors, and network with other providers in the Brooklyn area.

Thursday, March 20th, 2014
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brooklyn Law School
205 State Street
Geraldo's Room
Brooklyn, New York

Click here for more information and to RSVP. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Flora Daniel at fdaniel@health.nyc.gov or (347) 396- 4948

New EHR Attestation Deadline for Eligible Professionals: March 31, 2014

New EHR Attestation Deadline for Eligible Professionals: 
March 31, 2014

CMS is extending the deadline for eligible professionals to attest to meaningful use for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program 2013 reporting year from 11:59 pm ET on February 28, 2014 to 11:59 pm ET March 31, 2014.

In addition, CMS is offering assistance to eligible hospitals who may have experienced difficulty attesting to submit their attestation retroactively and avoid the 2015 payment adjustment.

This extension will allow more time for providers to submit their meaningful use data and receive an incentive payment for the 2013 program year, as well as avoid the 2015 payment adjustment.

This extension does not impact the deadlines for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program or any other CMS program, including the electronic submission for the Physician Quality Reporting System EHR Incentive Program Pilot. 

How to attest?
If you are an eligible professional, you may use the registration and attestation systemto submit your attestation for meaningful use for the 2013 reporting year.  You must attest prior by 11:59 pm ET on March 31, 2014 to meet the new 2013 program deadline. 

If you are an eligible hospital, you may contact CMS for assistance submitting your attestation retroactively.  You must contact CMS by 11:59 pm on March 15, 2014 in order to participate for the 2013 program year. 

Resources
If you are an eligible professional working on your attestation for the 2013 reporting period, there are resources available to help you with the registration and attestation process. 

• Stage 1 Meaningful Use Calculator
• Registration and Attestation User Guides
• EHR Incentive Program Website

The EHR Information Center is open to assist you with all of your registration and attestation system inquiries. Please call, 1-888-734-6433 (primary number) or 888-734-6563 (TTY number). The EHR Information Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Central Time), except federal holidays.

Tips 
In addition, there are some simple steps you can take which will help to make the process easier for you:

• Ensure that your payment assignment and other relevant information is up to date in the Medicare payment system PECOS
• Make sure to include a valid email address in your EHR program registration
• Consider logging on to use the attestation system during non-peak hours such as evenings and weekends
• Log on to the registration and attestation system now and ensure that your information is up to date and begin entering your 2013 data
• If you experience attestation problems, call the EHR Incentive Program Help Desk and report the problem
• If your organization has more than 1,000 providers assigned to a proxy user, use the PECOS system to designate additional proxies to facilitate attestation.

Eligible Hospital Instructions:

1. Send the following information to EH2013Extension@Provider-Resources.com  no later than 11:59 PM EST on 3/15/2014:
   • CCN
   • Hospital Name
   • Contact Person Name
   • Contact Person Email
   • Contact Person Phone
2. Type “EH 2013 EXTENSION” in the subject line of the email note
3. Each Hospital must be identified in a separate email

CMS will contact the person that you designate in your request to provide additional instructions regarding the Eligible Hospital 2013 attestation submission.