When choosing to participate in Medicare’s Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program (eRx), know that the two percent incentive payment will not be paid if participating in the Medicare EHR incentive program. If deciding not to participate in the Medicare EHR incentive program, it would be a wise choice to entertain the idea of using eRx. Why participate in eRx? First, there is more revenue to be made for your practice. For 2010, incentive amounts are two percent of the total estimated Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule allowed charges. Secondly, starting in 2012 those who are not “successful electronic prescribers” will be subject to a penalty. There are three different ways to report to CMS: Through claims, to a qualified registry that will report on your behalf, and through a qualified EHR product. Electronic prescribing is part of the future of medicine so start now by using an eRx program or a certified EHR system. To learn more about eRx visit cms.org/erx.

If deciding to go for the Medicare EHR incentive program, e-prescribing is a small part of the core set in showing meaningful use to get the $44,000 in incentive money. More than forty percent of all permissible prescriptions written by the physician have to be transmitted electronically using certified EHR technology. E-prescribing is just a small involvement in reaching meaningful use in an EHR system but a very important measure.

So, which incentive program is better to use? This question is ultimately up to each practice and where they feel they are in implementing either program. Both incentive programs are great to help move forward our healthcare system today.