Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sharon

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

5:28 PM

To:

Subject:

Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

My Medicare

opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I’ve been contemplating

whether or not to “opt-in” to try to take advantage of the stimulus

money for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice.

People pay an annual or monthly fee for all services. I’d have to

change my medical services agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee

for non-covered services). I’m trying to decide if it would be

worth it.

Marty, , or

others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

I hate to pass up

free money to help improve my IT, but I don’t want to torture myself

either. Thanks in advance.

Sharon

Sharon McCoy , MD

Renaissance Family Medicine

10 McClintock Court, Irvine, CA

92617

Phone: ;

Fax:

Email: SharonMD

website: www.SharonMD.com

October 2, 2009

Here's a recent FPM article by the tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good

article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only " non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, , or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court, Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

October 2, 2009

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those who don't belong to AAFP:http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19 SetoSouth Pasadena, CAHere's a recent FPM article by the tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.http://www.aafp.org/fpm/20090700/19will.htmlCraig--- In , "RGMS" wrote:>> Sharon:> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only "non-par" as> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are> participating)> > > > What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is> year #1 the first year you apply? > > > > I'll bet knows the answer.> > Ramona> > > > Ramona G. Seidel, MD> > www.baycrossingfamilymedicine.com> > Your Bridge to Health> > > > NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:> > > > 269 Peninsula Farm Road> Suite F> > Arnold, MD 21012> > > > 410 518-9808> > > > > > _____ > > From: > [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sharon > Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM> To: > Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR> > > > > > My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been contemplating> whether or not to "opt-in" to try to take advantage of the stimulus money> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.> > > > Marty, , or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?> > > > I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.> > > > Sharon> > Sharon McCoy , MD> > > > Renaissance Family Medicine> > 10 McClintock Court, Irvine, CA 92617> > Phone: ; Fax: > > Email: SharonMD@...> > website: www.SharonMD.com>

October 2, 2009

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to receive up to $18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show what is now being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement eligibility will be calculated on 75% of submitted allowable charges to Medicare from 2010. For example, let's say you billed Medicare $50k in 2010, 75% of the first $24k would give you the maximum $18k for that year. This is an excellent deal because the government has already set aside the funds. This reimbursement will continue for the next 5 years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those who don't belong to AAFP:http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

SetoSouth Pasadena, CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.http://www.aafp.org/fpm/20090700/19will.html

Craig

>> Sharon:> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only " non-par " as> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are> participating)>

> > > What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply? > > > > I'll bet knows the answer.> > Ramona>

> > > Ramona G. Seidel, MD> > www.baycrossingfamilymedicine.com>

> Your Bridge to Health> > > > NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:> > > > 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F> > Arnold, MD 21012> > > > 410 518-9808> > > >

> > _____ > > From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sharon > Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To: > Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

> > > > > > My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been contemplating> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.> > > > Marty, , or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?>

> > > I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.> >

> > Sharon> > Sharon McCoy , MD> > > > Renaissance Family Medicine> > 10 McClintock Court, Irvine, CA 92617

> > Phone: ; Fax: > > Email: SharonMD@...> > website: www.SharonMD.com

>

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

October 2, 2009

It seems the incentive amount for 2011 is

based on the Medicare billings for that same year. A “start up”

then in 2012 could only benefit max: $12,000. It does not roll back to

the 2011 levels, just because it is a new practice, correct?

Anyhow, one must be “par” to

benefit from any of this stimulus money.

Ramona

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Seto

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

8:54 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

Here's a

link to the article Craig mentioned for those who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South Pasadena,

CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the

tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

October 2, 2009

This is what I was afraid of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing enough Medicare in

network to bill $25,000 next year? The thing that makes no sense to

me is the 75% that is thrown into this stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then

75% will always be the max amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in

2010, he/she is not eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing

reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You

have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because

hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to

receive up to $18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show

what is now being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified

EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement

eligibility will be calculated on 75% of submitted allowable charges to

Medicare from 2010. For example, let's say you billed Medicare $50k in

2010, 75% of the first $24k would give you the maximum $18k for that

year. This is an excellent deal because the government has already set

aside the funds. This reimbursement will continue for the next 5

years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South

Pasadena, CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the

tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

October 2, 2009

HAH!

Thought there was a catch!

Won't be receiving that as I don't bill that much.

Yet I do bill for Medicare + plans, doesn't look like they count as a secondary pays me NOT Medicare.

I'll stick to my small solutions.

Matt in Western PA

Solo FP

Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR> > > > > > My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been contemplating> whether or not to "opt-in" to try to take advantage of the stimulus money> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.> > > > Marty, , or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?> > > > I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.> > > > Sharon> > Sharon McCoy , MD> > > > Renaissance Family Medicine> > 10 McClintock Court, Irvine, CA 92617> > Phone: ; Fax: > > Email: SharonMD@...> > website: www.SharonMD.com>

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

October 2, 2009

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use with a certified EMR.

This is what I was afraid of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing enough Medicare in

network to bill $25,000 next year? The thing that makes no sense to

me is the 75% that is thrown into this stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then

75% will always be the max amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in

2010, he/she is not eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing

reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You

have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because

hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to

receive up to $18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show

what is now being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified

EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement

eligibility will be calculated on 75% of submitted allowable charges to

Medicare from 2010. For example, let's say you billed Medicare $50k in

2010, 75% of the first $24k would give you the maximum $18k for that

year. This is an excellent deal because the government has already set

aside the funds. This reimbursement will continue for the next 5

years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South

Pasadena, CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the

tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

October 2, 2009

but how much do i have to spend to get the new emr that will be certified -by who/ and have meaningful usewhich is still hazyI bill plenty of medicare Medicare is my life but the devil is in the details I'm waiitn til the penalites start or til someone clears up alot of stuff.

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use with a certified EMR.

This is what I was afraid of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing enough Medicare in

network to bill $25,000 next year? The thing that makes no sense to

me is the 75% that is thrown into this stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then

75% will always be the max amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in

2010, he/she is not eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing

reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You

have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because

hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to

receive up to $18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show

what is now being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified

EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement

eligibility will be calculated on 75% of submitted allowable charges to

Medicare from 2010. For example, let's say you billed Medicare $50k in

2010, 75% of the first $24k would give you the maximum $18k for that

year. This is an excellent deal because the government has already set

aside the funds. This reimbursement will continue for the next 5

years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South

Pasadena, CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the

tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD

ph fax impcenter.org

October 2, 2009

Spend nothing and you will still get the stimulus funding if you use your emr menaningfully and it is certified.Neither of these latter two are defined yet.

but how much do i have to spend to get the new emr that will be certified -by who/ and have meaningful usewhich is still hazyI bill plenty of medicare Medicare is my life but the devil is in the details I'm waiitn til the penalites start or til someone clears up alot of stuff.

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use with a certified EMR.

This is what I was afraid of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing enough Medicare in

network to bill $25,000 next year? The thing that makes no sense to

me is the 75% that is thrown into this stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then

75% will always be the max amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in

2010, he/she is not eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing

reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You

have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because

hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to

receive up to $18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show

what is now being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified

EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement

eligibility will be calculated on 75% of submitted allowable charges to

Medicare from 2010. For example, let's say you billed Medicare $50k in

2010, 75% of the first $24k would give you the maximum $18k for that

year. This is an excellent deal because the government has already set

aside the funds. This reimbursement will continue for the next 5

years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South

Pasadena, CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the

tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD

ph fax impcenter.org

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

October 2, 2009

that sounds good so it cannot be true I FEEL meaningful....

Spend nothing and you will still get the stimulus funding if you use your emr menaningfully and it is certified.Neither of these latter two are defined yet.

but how much do i have to spend to get the new emr that will be certified -by who/ and have meaningful usewhich is still hazyI bill plenty of medicare Medicare is my life but the devil is in the details I'm waiitn til the penalites start or til someone clears up alot of stuff.

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use with a certified EMR.

This is what I was afraid of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing enough Medicare in

network to bill $25,000 next year? The thing that makes no sense to

me is the 75% that is thrown into this stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then

75% will always be the max amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in

2010, he/she is not eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing

reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You

have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because

hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to

receive up to $18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show

what is now being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified

EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement

eligibility will be calculated on 75% of submitted allowable charges to

Medicare from 2010. For example, let's say you billed Medicare $50k in

2010, 75% of the first $24k would give you the maximum $18k for that

year. This is an excellent deal because the government has already set

aside the funds. This reimbursement will continue for the next 5

years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South

Pasadena, CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the

tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/

MD

ph fax impcenter.org

-- Graham Chiuhttp://www.synapsedirect.comSynapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD

ph fax impcenter.org

October 2, 2009

Jean:

It is because you mean so much to so many!

So, the question for me is: is it worth

going “par” for 2010 to be “eligible” for some of the

stimulus money? And will they really define the “meaningful” and “certified”

terms by end of ’09?

Ramona

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

10:04 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

that sounds good

so it cannot be true

I FEEL meaningful....

On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 9:59 PM, Graham Chiu <compkarorigmail> wrote:

Spend nothing and you will still get the stimulus funding if you use your emr

menaningfully and it is certified.

Neither of these latter two are defined yet.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 2:48 PM, <jnantonuccigmail>

wrote:

but how much do i have to spend to get the new emr

that will be certified

-by who/

and have meaningful use

which is still hazy

I bill plenty of medicare

Medicare is my life but the devil is in the details I'm waiitn til the

penalites start or til someone clears up alot of stuff.

On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 9:37 PM, Graham Chiu <compkarorigmail>

wrote:

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be

eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use

with a certified EMR.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 2:26 PM, RGMS <rgms01verizon (DOT) net>

wrote:

This is what I was afraid

of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing

enough Medicare in network to bill $25,000 next year? The

thing that makes no sense to me is the 75% that is thrown into this

stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then 75% will always be the max

amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in 2010, he/she is not

eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW

ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410

518-9808

From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute

sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing reimbursement per doctor over a

5-year period to purchase an EMR. You have to be in private practice and

not be an employee of a hospital because hospitals will also have their own

form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to

have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to receive up to $18,000 in 2011.

Also, you must be computerized and show what is now being called

" meaningful use " of an ARRA certified EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement eligibility will be calculated on

75% of submitted allowable charges to Medicare from 2010. For example,

let's say you billed Medicare $50k in 2010, 75% of the first $24k would give

you the maximum $18k for that year. This is an excellent deal because the

government has already set aside the funds. This reimbursement will

continue for the next 5 years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South Pasadena,

CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the tech folks at

AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the stimulus

money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/

Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/

MD

ph fax

impcenter.org

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/

Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/

MD

ph fax

impcenter.org

October 2, 2009

Yes, these statements are both true.

However, it’s not based on the amount you bill, it’s based on

Medicare Allowable. My understanding is that you will receive a % of the

stimulus money, based on your total Medicare Allowable for the year.

Until all the rules are set in place (by 12/31/09), it’s not worth the

speculation. But you definitely have to be participating with Medicare to

qualify for the stimulus money.

Pratt

Office Manager

Oak Tree Internal Medicine P.C

www.prattmd.info

From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of RGMS

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

6:20 PM

To:

Subject: RE:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

It seems the incentive amount for 2011 is based on the Medicare

billings for that same year. A “start up” then in 2012 could

only benefit max: $12,000. It does not roll back to the 2011 levels, just

because it is a new practice, correct?

Anyhow, one must be “par” to benefit from any of this

stimulus money.

Ramona

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Seto

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

8:54 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

Here's a

link to the article Craig mentioned for those who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South Pasadena, CA

On Oct 1, 2009, at

5:39 PM, Craig Ross wrote:

Here's a recent FPM article by the tech folks at

AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold,

MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the stimulus

money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA

92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

October 2, 2009

Ramona,

I would calculate how much you anticipate

being able to bill Medicare. If the meaningful and certified terms are

announced by 12/31/09 – and your system will qualify, then forecast how

much you anticipate billing to Medicare, take 75% of that and decide if it’s

worth it.

We fully anticipate our system (e-MDs)

will be “qualified.” We anticipate a potential of about $7500

in stimulus money the first year. That’s well worth it to us since

we already paid for the EMR and are already participating with Medicare.

It’s like free money J Not to mention the fact that our EMR will be completely paid

for before we ever see a dime of stimulus money, it’ll really be a nice

bonus.

Pratt

Office Manager

Oak Tree Internal Medicine P.C

www.prattmd.info

From:

[mailto: ] On

Behalf Of RGMS

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

7:22 PM

To:

Subject: RE:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

Jean:

It is because you mean so much to so many!

So, the question for me is: is it worth going “par” for

2010 to be “eligible” for some of the stimulus money? And

will they really define the “meaningful” and

“certified” terms by end of ’09?

Ramona

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

10:04 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

that

sounds good

so it cannot be true

I FEEL meaningful....

On Thu, Oct 1,

2009 at 9:59 PM, Graham Chiu <compkarorigmail>

wrote:

Spend nothing and you will still get the stimulus funding if you use your emr

menaningfully and it is certified.

Neither of these latter two are defined yet.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 2:48 PM, <jnantonuccigmail>

wrote:

but how much do i have to spend to get the new emr

that will be certified

-by who/

and have meaningful use

which is still hazy

I bill plenty of medicare

Medicare is my life but the devil is in the details I'm waiitn til the

penalites start or til someone clears up alot of stuff.

On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 9:37 PM, Graham Chiu <compkarorigmail>

wrote:

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be

eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use

with a certified EMR.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 2:26 PM, RGMS <rgms01verizon (DOT) net>

wrote:

This is what I was afraid

of: Are there any IMPs who are seeing

enough Medicare in network to bill $25,000 next year? The

thing that makes no sense to me is the 75% that is thrown into this

stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then 75% will always be the max

amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in 2010, he/she is not

eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW

ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD

21012

410

518-9808

From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009

9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re:

Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for EMR

" The ARRA statute

sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing reimbursement per doctor over a

5-year period to purchase an EMR. You have to be in private practice and

not be an employee of a hospital because hospitals will also have their own

form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to

have billed Medicare at least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to receive up to $18,000 in 2011.

Also, you must be computerized and show what is now being called

" meaningful use " of an ARRA certified EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement eligibility will be calculated on

75% of submitted allowable charges to Medicare from 2010. For example,

let's say you billed Medicare $50k in 2010, 75% of the first $24k would give

you the maximum $18k for that year. This is an excellent deal because the

government has already set aside the funds. This reimbursement will

continue for the next 5 years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for those

who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South Pasadena,

CA

Here's a recent FPM article by the tech folks at

AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold,

MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money

for EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been

contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the stimulus

money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, ,

or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon

McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court,

Irvine, CA

92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/

Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/

MD

115 Mt

Blue Circle

Farmington

ME 04938

ph fax

impcenter.org

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/

Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/

MD

115 Mt

Blue Circle

Farmington

ME 04938

ph fax

impcenter.org

October 2, 2009

The FP Management article is helpful. My real question is

the how to decide if it’s worth it? Which I know is rhetorical, but

wonder what some thoughts are from people who have thought through the opt

in/opt out question.

Sharon

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Pratt

Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 9:18 AM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus

money for EMR

Ramona,

I would

calculate how much you anticipate being able to bill Medicare. If the

meaningful and certified terms are announced by 12/31/09 – and your

system will qualify, then forecast how much you anticipate billing to Medicare,

take 75% of that and decide if it’s worth it.

We fully

anticipate our system (e-MDs) will be “qualified.” We

anticipate a potential of about $7500 in stimulus money the first year.

That’s well worth it to us since we already paid for the EMR and are

already participating with Medicare. It’s like free money J Not

to mention the fact that our EMR will be completely paid for before we ever see

a dime of stimulus money, it’ll really be a nice bonus.

Pratt

Office Manager

Oak Tree Internal Medicine P.C

www.prattmd.info

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of RGMS

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 7:22 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus

money for EMR

Jean:

It is because you mean so much to so many!

So, the

question for me is: is it worth going “par” for 2010 to be

“eligible” for some of the stimulus money? And will they

really define the “meaningful” and “certified” terms by

end of ’09?

Ramona

Ramona G.

Seidel, MD

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3466 & intNumPerPage=10 & checkDate= & checkKey= & srchType=1 & numDays=3500 & srchOpt=0 & srchData= & keywordType=All & chkNewsType=6 & intPage= & showAll= & pYear= & year= & desc= & cboOrder=date

Your

Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW

ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269

Peninsula Farm Road

Suite F

Arnold, MD

21012

410

518-9808

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Jean

Antonucci

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 10:04 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus

money for EMR

that sounds good

so it cannot be true

I FEEL meaningful....

On

Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 9:59 PM, Graham Chiu wrote:

Spend nothing and you will still get the stimulus funding if you use your emr

menaningfully and it is certified.

Neither of these latter two are defined yet.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 2:48 PM,

wrote:

but how much do i have to spend to get the new emr

that will be certified

-by who/

and have meaningful use

which is still hazy

I bill plenty of medicare

Medicare is my life but the devil is in the details I'm waiitn til the

penalites start or til someone clears up alot of stuff.

On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 9:37 PM, Graham Chiu

wrote:

If you bill $8k in Medicare in 2010, then'll you'll be

eligble to receive $6k in subsidies if you can demonstrate meaningful use

with a certified EMR.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 2:26 PM, RGMS

wrote:

This is what I was afraid of: Are there any IMPs who are

seeing enough Medicare in network to bill $25,000 next year? The

thing that makes no sense to me is the 75% that is thrown into this

stuff. If one has to bill 25K (or 24K) then 75% will always be the max

amount ($18,000). If a physician bills $8,000 in 2010, he/she is not

eligible for 75% or $6,000?

Devil in the details!

Ramona G. Seidel, MD

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aafp/fpm_20090708/index.php?startid=19

Your Bridge to Health

NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

269 Peninsula Farm Road

Suite

F

Arnold, MD 21012

410 518-9808

From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Graham Chiu

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 9:06 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Re: Medicare opt-out and stimulus

money for EMR

" The ARRA statute sets aside up to $44,000 Medicare billing

reimbursement per doctor over a 5-year period to purchase an EMR. You

have to be in private practice and not be an employee of a hospital because

hospitals will also have their own form of eligibility.

In order to qualify, you would have to have billed Medicare at

least $25,000 in 2010, to be eligible and to receive up to

$18,000 in 2011. Also, you must be computerized and show what is now

being called " meaningful use " of an ARRA certified EMR.

To receive the $18,000, your reimbursement eligibility will be calculated on

75% of submitted allowable charges to Medicare from 2010. For example,

let's say you billed Medicare $50k in 2010, 75% of the first $24k would give

you the maximum $18k for that year. This is an excellent deal because the

government has already set aside the funds. This reimbursement will

continue for the next 5 years. "

Here's a link to the article Craig mentioned for

those who don't belong to AAFP:

Seto

South Pasadena, CA

Here's

a recent FPM article by the tech folks at AAFP. It's a pretty good article.

Craig

>

> Sharon:

> I have been thinking along the same lines. However, I am only

" non-par " as

> opposed to the opt out status. ($ is only available to those who are

> participating)

>

> What I could not figure out was how the calculation would be done on the

> money for the IT from the stimulus. I know it is a percentage of what you

> bill to Medicare annually. However, which year will they use?? If one is

> just starting up a practice, there would be no billables to look at. After

> the first year of the stimulus money availability, it appears the maximum

> amounts go down. I assume that year #1 is the same for everyone. Or is

> year #1 the first year you apply?

>

> I'll bet knows the answer.

>

> Ramona

>

> Ramona G. Seidel, MD

>

>

> Your Bridge to Health

>

> NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:

>

> 269 Peninsula Farm Road

> Suite F

>

> Arnold, MD 21012

>

> 410 518-9808

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Sharon

> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 5:28 PM

> To:

> Subject: Medicare opt-out and stimulus money for

EMR

>

> My Medicare opt-out is up for its two year renewal. I've been contemplating

> whether or not to " opt-in " to try to take advantage of the

stimulus money

> for EMR. I do a membership/retainer practice. People pay an annual or

> monthly fee for all services. I'd have to change my medical services

> agreement for the Medicare folks (and make the fee for non-covered

> services). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it.

>

> Marty, , or others have thoughts on the hassle factor/benefit of this?

>

> I hate to pass up free money to help improve my IT, but I don't want to

> torture myself either. Thanks in advance.

>

> Sharon

>

> Sharon McCoy , MD

>

> Renaissance Family Medicine

>

> 10 McClintock Court, Irvine, CA 92617

>

> Phone: ; Fax:

>

> Email: SharonMD@...

>

> website: www.SharonMD.com

>

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

Graham Chiu

Synapse - the use from anywhere EMR.

--

If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/

Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/

MD

ph fax

impcenter.org

--

Graham Chiu