AOA Offers Free Webinar Recording on eRx Incentive and Penalty

May 25, 2012:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program consists of a series of incentives and penalties to encourage physicians to adopt e-prescribing. To learn how the program works and how it will affect you this year, listen to a free replay of the AOA's recent webinar, "Electronic Prescribing - How to Avoid the Penalty and Qualify for the Bonus," featuring Ronald R. Burns, DO. The webinar covers the requirements, penalties and incentives of the eRx program. Among Dr. Burns' comments:

• Remember that physicians must submit at least 10 electronic prescriptions by June 30, 2012, and at least 25 electronic prescriptions before Dec. 31, 2012, to avoid the 1.5 % penalty on Medicare Part B allowed charges in 2013.

• To make it easier, just e-prescribe 30 times by June 30; this way you are assured of avoiding the penalty and qualifying for the incentive.

• It's a good idea to submit a few more electronic prescriptions than required, just in case.

• An encounter that involves several prescriptions counts as just one e-prescribing event. Both new and repeat patient visits qualify for the program.

Find answers to your questions about eRx or read the AOA's practice management tips for e-prescribing.