Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Not If, But When

In their March 16 edition, the American Medical News (published by the AMA) reports that it is "no longer a question of 'if'" physicians should invest in health care information technology. Bonuses to physicians are maximized if certified EHR's are operational by 2011 or 2012.

The lead highlights the significant financial benefit for physicians who "must act quickly to achieve the biggest benefit and avoid penalties." And contrary to many reports, AMNews gets it right in describing the payment of $35 billion in Medicare and Medicaid physician incentives. The net $20 billion normally associated with the health care technology stimulus includes the offsetting penalties that begin in 2016.

For the full explanation of bonuses and penalties (pdf) click on the graphic below:

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