21 not yet participated in the Medicare EHR Incentive program to begin their 90 days of meaningful use in 2014. Medicare practitioners will not be able to earn incentives for participation in the program after this date and will be subject to payment adjustments. Payment adjustments start at 1 percent and are cumulative for every year an EP does not participate (see http:// go.cms.gov/OpAA6N).
Nov. 5, 2014 • Health Plan Identifier
– This is the deadline for large health plans to obtain a Health Plan Identifier (HPID). Small health plans have until Nov. 5, 2015 (see http://go.cms.gov/ Qn77dS).
Stay up to date For optometrists, becoming an integral part of the nation’s emerging e-health system is essential, according to AOA President Mitchell T. Munson, O.D. “America is transitioning to a health care system
heavily focused on primary and preventive care,” Dr. Munson said. “Optometrists have the potential to play a key role in the nation’s transformed health care system, but only if they become part of the e-health systems that will support it. That means optometrists must meet all pertinent e-health deadlines over the coming months.” The AOA and its AOAExcel™ subsidiary offer a range of guidance and services specifically designed to ensure optometrists can meet each of those deadlines. The CMS frequently updates the information available to health care practitioners on its e-health programs. Changes in e-health program rules, regulations, criteria or deadlines are possible, the AOA Advocacy Group noted. Optometrists should make a point to stay up to date with the developments related to e-health by following the AOA on Twitter (@AOANews and @ AOAConnect) and online at aoa.org/news. News from the AOA
Practitioners now have longer to pay back overcharges to Medicare Health care practitioners may now have up to five years to return overpayments to Medicare under a newly revised Extended Repayment Schedules (ERS) program that takes effect Sept. 3. Under the revised program, Medicare payment contractors may authorize extended repayment periods ranging from six to 36 months. Longer repayment schedules, up to 60 months, may be approved by U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) staff. Medicare generally requires return of overpayments within 30 days but the CMS may grant extensions if a practitioner
demonstrates immediate repayment would represent a “hardship.” Until now Medicare payment contractors could only give practitioners an extension of up to 12 months to return overpayments, although CMS officials could allow longer repayment periods if warranted. Practitioners should note unreturned overpayments are subject to substantial interest. For additional Information, visit http:// tinyurl.com/mq6a9gf. News from the AOA