OVerview of the HITEC Act for Providers

CMS is responsible for developing the specific detailsshow that 30% of their patient encounters are
of these objectives beyond the broad strokesattributable to Medicaid over any 90-day period.
defined in the the HITECH Act. In addition, the ONCThe two programs cannot be combined and the
is tasked with creating the criteria that will be usedeligible provider (EP) must select only one of the two
by the certification bodies who will review andprograms. During the incentive payment period, the
approve qualifying EHR systems.provider may switch between the two programs,
Once this has happened, the physician will need toonce and cannot switch back or change their mind.
carry out the objectives as defined by CMS on anFor the Medicare program, "eligible professionals"
approved EHR system as defined by the ONC— or "EPs" — are defined as doctors of
criteria. In other words, the provider will only receivemedicine or osteopathy; doctors of dental surgery or
incentive payments if they prove meaningful use ondental medicine; doctors of podiatric medicine;
an approved EHR system. "Using certified EHRdoctors of optometry; and doctors of chiropractic
technology in a meaningful manner".medicine.
The provider is able to select from one of the twoEligible professionals for the Medicaid program include
incentive payment programs as defined by the Act.physicians, dentists, certified nurse midwives, nurse
One track is Medicare and the other is Medicaid.practitioners and physician assistants who are
Physicians who select the Medicare track will receivepracticing in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)
up to $44,000.00 payable over a five year period.or rural health clinics (RHCs) led by a physician
Providers who select the Medicaid track will receiveassistant.
up to $63,750.00 over a six year period. To qualifyFor additional information check our "Meaningful Use"
for the Medicaid incentive program, EP's will need towebsite.