Physicians who implement an electronic health record (EHR) system and demonstrate that they are "meaningful users" are eligible to recieve  incentives: Up to $44,000 over five years under Medicare, or
up to $63,750 over six years under Medicaid.

On July 13, 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule establishing the program requirements for participating in the EHR incentive program beginning in 2011. The program provides both challenges and opportunities for dermatologists interested in adopting EHRs.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) recently sent letters to the Office of the Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Department of Program Integrity expressing its concern with EHR donations by or cost-sharing arrangements between pathology laboratories to referring physicians. These arrangements currently are permitted under an anti-kickback statute safe-harbor provision and exception under the physician self-referral Stark law. 

To learn more, including what it constitutes a "meaningful user," download the in-depth summary of the rule that AADA staff compiled. You also can read this letter about meaningful use, written by David Blumenthal, MD, the national coordinator for HIT for the Department of Health and Human Services. 

To learn more about the EHR bonus and incentives, including a timeline through 2018, visit the AADA's Health System Reform Resource Center.

Related resources:

• Read the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' overview of the EHR incentive program.
• Listen to the AAD's free Webcast about meaningful use guidelines and the electronic prescribing incentive program.
• How to file an appeal for an erroneous incentive payment.