Meaningful Use EHR Attestation Deadline Extended to March 20

Eligible professionals have more time to attest for Meaningful Use, yet again. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the attestation date for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program 2014 reporting year from February 28 to March 20. The EHR reporting option for Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) has also been extended to March 20.

This three-week extension by the CMS is to give providers more time to submit their Meaningful Use data. The CMS encourages providers to begin attesting for the 2014 reporting year as soon as possible. This deadline extension does not apply to the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.

In addition, this extension lets providers switch from Medicare to Medicaid (or the reverse) if desired for the 2014 payment year. After the deadline, providers will no longer have the option to switch programs. The CMS encourages providers to submit Meaningful Use data during non-peak hours, such as weekends and evenings.