Here’s a case where a technical snafu may actually help you.
Individual providers originally had until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 29 (tonight, in other words) to file for an exemption to Medicare’s electronic prescribing rule in order to avoid incurring a 1.5% cut to their Medicare allowed fees in 2013 (PBN 6/18/2012).
Now, due to scheduled maintenance of the website where you must file these exemption requests, CMS has granted you two extra days, according to an agency posting on a Medicare physician listserv. The new deadline for e-Rx exemption requests: 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2012.
The bad news: the Communication support page where these applications are filed will actually be down and completely inaccessible from 8 p.m. Friday, June 29 until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. That gives you Sunday and Monday to get the job done.
Remember, if you haven’t been able to participate in Medicare’s e-Rx reporting program, you can claim an exemption if you fall into one of the following categories (
PBN 9/8/2011):
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Your practice is registered for the Medicare or Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive program in 2011 and adopted certified EHR technology. Example: The practice wanted to rely on the e-Rx technology of an EHR system, but delayed implementation or the vendor software is not yet compliant. NOTE: The EHR must be adopted for use no later than Oct. 1 in order to qualify for this exemption.
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Your providers cannot e-prescribe due to state or federal law restrictions. Example: Physicians who largely prescribe narcotics, which are restricted from being electronically transmitted in some areas.
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You are an eligible professional who does not prescribe often.
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You have physicians who prescribe frequently but only for ineligible types of visits. Example: Surgeons.
If you have any trouble accessing the site, whatever you do, don’t call CMS. Instead, you’ll want to contact the QualityNet Help Desk Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm CT in one of the following ways:
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Phone: 866-288-8912
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TTY: 877-715-6222
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Email: Qnetsupport@sdps.org
They are all set to handle your questions, not only about the eRx Incentive Program, but also PQRS-IACS registration questions, PQRS-IACS login issues, portal password issues, feedback report availability and access, and general CMS Physician Quality System reporting information.