2013 eRx payment adjustment hardship exemption requests accepted beginning Nov. 1

On Nov 1, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin accepting hardship exemption requests for the 2013 Electronic Prescribing (eRx) payment adjustment.  Exemption requests will be accepted through Jan 31, 2013.  Hardship exemptions must be submitted electronically through the Quality Reporting Communication Support web page. 

The penalty, or payment adjustment, for not successfully participating in the 2013 eRx Incentive Program is a 1.5% cut to payment for all Medicare Part B fees.  A provider that does not participate will be paid at 98.5% of the fee schedule rate.  In 2011, the AASM encouraged members to consider applying for a hardship exemption for the 2012 payment adjustment because many sleep physicians find it difficult to meet the eRx program requirements. 

CMS has developed a resource guide describing the eRx Incentive Program and its implementation from 2012-2014.  Questions regarding the eRx Incentive Program and payment adjustments can be directed to the QualityNet Help Desk at 866-288-8912 or via email at qnetsupport@sdps.org.