Meaningful Use EP Eligibility Appeals Extended to April 30, 2012
As a reminder to eligible professionals (EPs) participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, CMS has extended the deadline within which an EP may file an eligibility appeal to Monday, April 30, 2012. In general, there are three types of appeals afforded to EPs: eligibility appeals, meaningful use appeals, and incentive payment appeals.
Eligibility appeals provide an EP with the chance to show that he or she should have receive an incentive payment as all meaningful use requirements were met, but could not because of circumstances outside of the EP’s control. There are two levels of review afforded under the Medicare EHR Incentive Program appeals process:
- Informal review;
- Request for reconsideration if the EP does not win in the informal review.
EPs should be aware that all relevant issues must be presented in the initial appeal as any issues raised at a later time will not be considered absent special circumstances. When filing an appeal, EPs should be prepared to provide any additional documentation requested within seven (7) calendar days from a request.
CMS strongly encourages EPs and other providers to communicate with OCSQ, the designated appeals coordinator, about any questions on specific issues or providing documentation in order to avoid having an appeal dismissed. Additional guidance on the appeals process is available here. Appeals may be filed through OCSQ.
