Abstract

Exemptions Added to Medicare Rule on E-PrescribingJonathan Wolfe A number of APA's recommendations have been incorporated into a newly released final rule on Medicare's electronic prescribing (eRx) standards. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended until November 1 the deadline by which physicians must either comply with the regulations or request a hardship exemption to avoid a 1 percent payment reduction in 2012. CMS added four new hardship exemption categories:Physicians who register to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs and adopt certified EHR technology. Physicians who are unable to prescribe electronically due to local, state, or federal laws or regulations. (APA made a concerted lobbying effort for this particular exemption, which is key for physicians practicing in states such as New York and Ohio, where regulations prohibit electronic prescribing of controlled substances.) Physicians who have limited prescribing activity. Physicians lacking sufficient opportunities to prescribe electronically due to patient interactions deemed ineligible for consideration under the program. Additionally, physicians may request a hardship exemption under CMS's two previously established exemption categories:Professionals practicing in rural areas with limited high-speed Internet access. Professionals practicing in areas with a limited number of pharmacies