Health Information Technology Resource Center
News you can use
As you know, the 2009 federal economic stimulus package includes $19 billion for health information technology (HIT), the vast majority of which is projected to be directed to physicians to subsidize the purchase and usage of electronic health record (EHR) systems. Beginning in 2011, qualifying Medicare providers can receive up to $44,000 in incentives under the program, while qualifying Medi-Cal providers can receive up to $64,000. However, many of the rules and standards governing the subsidies will not be worked out for several months. Given the current uncertainties, the SCCMA, MCMS, and CMA are recommending that physicians use this window to begin assessing EHR needs, with an eye on what will work best for your specialty, your practice, and your comfort level with technology.
To assist members who would like to plan for or implement EMR, the CMA has created an online "Health Information Technology Resource Center," which includes many helpful resources, http://www.cmanet.org/hit/.
Earn CEUs with CMA Hosted Webinars
Medicare billers, coders, practice managers and physicians, refresh your Medicare knowledge and earn continuing education credits! The California Medical Association (CMA) will be hosting a series of Medicare Webinars in partnership with Palmetto GBA in 2010. One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) will be given for each course taken by certified coders, certified practice managers or certified medical billers. One Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit will be given for each course taken by physicians.
The educational series will cover highly demanded topics such as general Medicare updates, provider enrollment, top billing errors, Evaluation and Management (E/M) help and documentation requirements. In addition, the Palmetto GBA team will address some of the current initiatives and their impact on the provider community.
This series is for Part B providers in California only. For more information about the Webinars and how to attend, please contact the CMA at (800) 786-4CMA (4262) or visit their Web site at www.cmanet.org/calendar/.
