It can be said that even for the most ignorant to politics and current events over the last year we have learned a new word. Some may have used the word before and most people know it exists. However, now more than ever this word has been thrown around like a Frisbee in a dog park. The word is……….. STIMULUS! Yes, stimulus. As in, economic stimulus, stimulus package, stimulus money etc. We have all heard something about the multibillion dollar stimulus package whose purpose is to provide relief to different parts of the economy and promote healthy solutions and opportunities to companies and individuals. Yes, you know what I’m talking about! Get money to go back to school…… Less taxes……. Cash for clunkers. We have all heard of it and some of you may have benefited from it. So why are we discussing all this on an EMR website??? So glad you asked! Here it goes…
Our government has set aside 19 billion dollars of healthcare technology stimulus money. That is once again, 19 billion dollars. The purpose is to use healthcare technology, purchasing an EMR/EHR in particular to keep our healthcare records safer and better connected. Now if you’re reading this your immediate questions are…. How do I get some of this money and how much? When can I get some of this money? Where do I go to get some of this money? What do I need to do to get some of this money? And of course….. What’s the catch?
Well, these are all good questions. I would be skeptical as well but believe me this is happening and if you get on board with this early on you will benefit the most. According to the guidelines of this stimulus package a Doctor or hospital that is either a Medicare (part B) or Medicaid provider can qualify. To qualify under Medicare you must be filing Medicare claims. For Medicaid, your caseload must be at least 30% Medicaid (20% for pediatricians). You can qualify under either Medicare or Medicaid but not both. If you qualify under Medicare you can receive up to $44,000.00 and under Medicaid $64,000.00. These maximum payouts are spread over 5 years starting in 2011. Keep in mind that 70% of the money you receive will be paid over the first 2 years.
Now for you procrastinators out there, I advise you to get your act together. You see, they are very serious about the implementation of EMR/EHR. So much so, that if you do not implement it by 2015 you can begin receiving a penalty of 1% off your Medicare/Medicaid payments. This penalty may increase to 5% by 2017. So it is in your best interest to get with the program while the offer is on the table!
At this point you must be saying to yourself, “good to know” or “I better get moving”, all true. But now you have to exert some effort. You must choose an EMR vendor and have them set the software up and train you in. You also have to go after the stimulus money. It does sound a bit overwhelming with all the choices and time you’ll have to put in to make this happen. What if I would tell you there is a company out there that will handle the entire process for you and to top it off…….give you the software for FREE and allow you to put that stimulus money in your pocket?! You would probably say “Sign me up”. Well that is what the people at medicalsoftware.com are hoping you’ll say.
It’s true! Medicalsoftware.com gives you the software, trains you and gets you your stimulus money…… FOR FREE! (www.medicalsoftware.com)
Written by: Issac Yenowitz of medical-billing.com