News: CMS calls for EHR incentive program measures

Starting this year, CMS plans to conduct an annual call for measures related to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, the agency announced last week. The proposals submitted by June 29, 2018, will be considered during the rulemaking for calendar year 2019.

Looking ahead, CMS says implementation will be required beginning in 2021 but will be optional in 2020 to reinforce CMS’ “commitment to engaging with stakeholders to further advance meaningful use of Certified EHR Technology,” according to the release.

CMS suggests that those considering submitting a measure proposal use the following questions as a guide:

• Would the proposed measure(s) reduce reporting burden?
• Is the proposed measure(s) duplicative of existing or previously removed objectives and measures?
• Would the proposed measure include an emerging certified health IT functionality or capability?

Proposals must be sent to CMScallformeasuresEHR@ketchum.com using the 2018 Medicare EHR Incentive Program Call for Measures Submission Form by Friday, June 29. The form must be completely filled out, even if the answer is “not applicable,” or else the proposal will not be considered.