Health Care Law Blog

Deadline for EHR Attestation Fast Approaching

As noted in our September 2011 article, it is time for hospitals and physicians to start using electronic health records ("EHR").  It is particularly important if hospitals or physicians want to take advantage of the 2011 Medicare incentive payments, since important deadlines are quickly approaching.

Hospitals and physicians are required to utilize a 90-day reporting period in order to attest to meaningful use.  The reporting period operates on a fiscal year basis for hospitals and a calendar year basis for physicians.  That means this Friday, September 30, is the last day that may be included in a hospital's reporting period for 2011.  Similarly, October 3, next Monday, is the last day for physicians and other health care professionals to begin the reporting period for 2011.  If hospitals and physicians cannot meet the September 30 and October 3 deadlines, respectively, there is still time to take advantage of EHR incentives for subsequent years. Moreover, keep in mind that these incentives are specifically related to the Medicare program, which is only one program for EHR incentives (many states offer Medicaid incentives as well).

If you need assistance meeting these deadlines, please contact us via email using the form below or call us at 517.371.8140 (Nicole) or 616.726.2252 (Mindi).

Categories: Technology