CMS streamlines the 2010 Medicare electronic prescribing bonus program

The physician fee schedule final regulation outlines a simplified approach for groups seeking the 2 percent Medicare electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) incentive bonus. For 2010, the rule requires eligible providers to report an e-prescribing code only when a patient visit generates an e-prescription. The provider only needs to report the code 25 times during the 2010 reporting period, which spans the entire calendar year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will base incentive payments on the covered professional services furnished by an eligible professional during the reporting year.

In addition, the number of eligible denominator codes has increased. Beginning in 2012, the program will impose penalties on eligible providers who are not successful e-prescribers.