Medicare’s 2010 Electronic Prescribing FAQ With Practice Manager

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Medicare’s 2010 E-prescribing Incentive Program

• What is electronic prescribing (e-prescribing / e-Rx)?

Electronic prescribing is the computer-based electronic generation, transmission and filling of a prescription. It takes the place of paper and faxed prescriptions allowing the physician to electronically transmit a new prescription or renewal to a pharmacy.

• What is Medicare E-prescribing Incentive Program?

Medicare is taking new steps to speed the adoption of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) by offering incentive payments to physicians and other eligible professionals who use the technology. Beginning in 2009, and during the next four years, Medicare will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals who are successful electronic prescribers. Eligible professionals will receive a 2 percent incentive payment in 2009 and 2010; a 1 percent incentive payment in 2011 and 2012; and a one half percent incentive payment in 2013. Beginning in 2012, eligible professionals who are not successful electronic prescribers will receive a reduction in payment.

• Where can I find information for Medicare Electronic Prescribing?

The following websites provide information on the Medicare Electronic prescribing program:

www.cms.hhs.gov/ERXIncentive – Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program
www.cms.hhs.gov/eprescribing – information on Part D e-prescribing standards that became effective
4/1/2009
www.ehealthinitiative.org to download “A Clinician’s Guide to Electronic Prescribing”
www.ama-assn.org/go/hit for AMA Resources and Links

To download our full document on E-Prescribing with Practice Manager, click here