More Than Half of U.S. Doctors Have Received Federal EHR Incentives
More than half of U.S. physicians have received federal incentive payments for the meaningful use of electronic health record systems, according to data released by HHS on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reports (Radnofsky, Wall Street Journal, 5/22).
Background
Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.
HHS had set a goal of 50% of eligible physician offices and 80% of eligible hospitals using EHRs by the end of 2013 (HHS release, 5/22).
HHS Data on Meaningful Use Payments
HHS data show that, as of the end of April:
- 55% of eligible office-based providers -- Â or about 291,325 physicians-- have received $5.9 billion in incentive payments (Wall Street Journal, 5/22); and
- About 80% of eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals -- or about 3,880 hospitals -- have received incentive payments (HHS release, 5/22).