EMR and HIPAA Answer to EMR Stimulus Quesitons
When’s the earliest we can get the ARRA EMR Stimulus Money?
Medicare Related EMR Stimulus Money
The earliest payments for those wanting the $44k per provider of stimulus money from Medicare will be Spring of 2011. Providers will need to show “meaningful use” of a “certified EHR” for 90 days in 2011 to be able to qualify for the first year payment of $18k. So, the very first checks won’t be sent out until at least Spring of 2011.
Medicaid Related EMR Stimulus Money
Unfortunately, we don’t really know the answer to this question. It’s also made even more difficult since each state will be able to decide when and how they are going to pay out the $63,750 in EMR stimulus money for Medicaid providers. I imagine some will model the Medicare schedule, but with 50 states we’re going to likely see a lot of different methods.