Eligible professionals unable to meet 2013 electronic health record (EHR) meaningful use demonstration requirements can still apply for a hardship exception to avoid penalties in 2015. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will accept applications for hardship exemptions through July 1, 2014. The hardship exception application for eligible professionals can be downloaded on the CMS website. Providers can request exception based on one of four exception categories: lack of infrastructure; unforeseen and/or uncontrollable circumstances; lack of control over the availability of certified EHR technology; and lack of face-to-face interaction. Documentation of the hardship must be submitted with the application to CMS. Eligible providers who did not meet 2013 EHR meaningful use requirements and who aren’t granted a hardship exception will receive a payment adjustment in 2015.
