MGMA: Feds Still Need to Better Harmonize Incentive Programs

Duplicative requirements of Medicare’s electronic prescribing program continue to unfairly penalize physicians participating in other federal quality reporting initiatives, according to the Medical Group Management Association.

In commenting on the proposed rule for Medicare’s physician fee schedule in 2013, MGMA notes that the government recognizes the overlap of reporting requirements and proposes additional e-prescribing exemptions for certain providers participating in the electronic health records meaningful use program. “However, this proposal fails to eliminate the burden on providers to fulfill requirements in each separate program,” MGMA contends.

The association calls on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to automatically deem providers successfully participating in the meaningful use program as also fulfilling e-prescribing and Physician Quality Reporting System requirements, “rather than placing the burden on the provider to claim hardship exemptions to avoid duplicative penalties.”

Full text of MGMA’s comment letter on the rule is available here.