Medicaid Providers Can Apply for Incentive Payments

(Salt Lake City, UT) – Today Utah Medicaid will begin accepting applications for eligible providers and hospitals who wish to participate in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program.  The goal of the program is part of a national effort to improve quality of patient care, patient safety and patient involvement in treatment options by using EHR technology. Physicians and other eligible health care professionals can receive up to $63,750; hospitals in Utah can expect between $350,000 and $4 million as incentive to adopt or upgrade their EHR systems.

The State received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to make EHR incentive payments to eligible Medicaid providers as they adopt, implement, upgrade, or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology.  Meaningful use includes electronically capturing health information in a coded format, using that information to track clinical conditions, as well as communicating that information for care coordination.

“The use of health information technology will transform the way health care is delivered in our state,” said Dr. David Patton, Executive Director,Utah Department of Health.  “EHRs will help reduce medical errors and assist health care professionals deliver more efficient care for their patients.” 

           

Qualified providers include physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who provide services to Medicaid patients in a Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Clinic. 

Eligible providers can receive their first year’s incentive payment for adopting certified EHR technology but must demonstrate meaningful use of the technology in ways that improve quality, safety, and effectiveness of patient-centered care in order to qualify for subsequent year payments. 

For more information, visit www.health.utah.gov/medicaid/provhtml/HIT.htm.  If you have further questions, call the EHR Hotline at (801) 538-6929 or email EHRIncentive@utah.gov.

News Release: Monday, October 3, 2011 

Media Contact: Kolbi Young, Public Relations Coordinator
(801) 538-6847 office | (801) 231-6350 cell