CMS Extends Meaningful Use Attestation Deadline

The Medicare EHR Incentive Program Meaningful Use attestation deadline for the 2014 reporting year has been extended to March 20, 2015, according to a February 25 announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Eligible Professionals (EPs) have extra time to attest for 2014, though the CMS encourages providers to begin as soon as possible.

The extension also gives EPs the chance to switch programs up until March 20, 2015. After that time, EPs will no longer be able to switch from Medicare to Medicaid or vice versa.

CMS also announced that submission deadlines for PQRS reporting was extended to March 20, 2015. This applies to EHR Direct or Data Submission Vendor certified for EHR technology, as well as qualified clinical data registries reporting for PQRS and the CQM component of Meaningful Use.

In order to receive incentives and avoid payment penalties, Medicare EPs must attest to Meaningful Use every year. Practice Velocity provides the EMR features, integrated functionality and provider specific reports required for Meaningful Use attestation.