The American Medical Association on Wednesday urged physicians who are not able to meet the requirements of the Medicare ePrescribing program to apply for a hardship exemption before the November 1 deadline to avoid monetary penalties in 2012.


Some 100,000 care providers could be hit with e-prescribing penalties next year. But the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering docs a chance to use an expanded list of exemptions to help dodge a 1 percent pay decrease in 2012.

“Although we remain concerned that physicians are not being given enough time to comply with the e-prescribing program criteria, the AMA wants to ensure that physicians who are not able to meet the program requirements are aware of this upcoming exemption deadline so they can avoid penalties,” said AMA Immediate Past-President Cecil B. Wilson, M.D.


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on the 2012 Medicare ePrescribing Incentive Program last month. To apply for an exemption, click here.

To determine eligibility for the ePrescribing Incentive Program and to learn more about the reporting requirements and exemption categories, click here.