Who qualifies for the HITECH Act?

“Eligible professionals” under the Medicare HIT incentive program are limited to physicians as defined in the Social Security Act (§1861(r)), which includes:

• Eligible physicians are defined as medical doctors, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors.
• Hospital-based physicians such as pathologists, anesthesiologists, emergency physicians or hospitalists are not eligible.
• Physical therapists are not eligible for EHR incentives and not subject to penalties.

If physicians are using a qualified EHR in 2011 or 2012, they can receive up to

• Calculated at 75% of allowable charges up to a maximum $44,000 over 5 years
  
• HHS secretary may consider additional providers for incentives

The Medicaid HIT Incentive program expands the definition of “eligible professionals” to include:

• Certified nurse mid-wife
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant (under certain circumstances)

To receive Medicaid incentive payments, eligible professionals must:

• Not be hospital-based;
• Demonstrate meaningful use of a certified EHR; and
• Treat a patient population, of which at least 30% receive medical assistance (or 20% if the physician is a pediatrician).

Disclaimer:The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.ALN tries to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing. TheHITECH Act is in the early stages and information is being updated and clarified daily.