Eligible Professionals (EPs)
CMS has indicated that it expects to make the payments on an annual basis. Payments will be made subsequent to the EP meeting the requirements to demonstrate meaningful use. Essentially, once the EP submits the required measurement data and completes the attestation process (this is discussed above).
The payments will be made by the fiscal intermediary/Medicare Administrative Contractor (FI/MAC)
Eligible Hospital
The calculation as to the amount of EHR incentive payment to which a hospital is eligible is somewhat complex and is dependent upon data that may change based upon the finalization of the hospital’s cost report. An interim payment will be made on an annual basis, once meaningful use is demonstrated. This interim payment will be based upon the hospital’s prior year cost report, with a settlement of any difference once the current year cost report is final.
