The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a report on the rate of eligible professionals participating in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and E-Prescribing (eRx) Incentive programs through the 2013 reporting period.

In 2013, 68 percent of eligible cardiologists participated in PQRS, an increase over the 2012 participation rate of 54 percent. Of the 19,115 cardiologists who participated, 15,949 are receiving a 2015 payment incentive for successful reporting to PQRS in 2013 (83 percent of participating cardiologists). The mean incentive amount reported under the cardiology specialty is $1,137. The 2014 reporting year is the last year for which eligible professionals will receive a 0.5 percent incentive for successful participation in PQRS.

For the eRx Incentive Program, 73 percent of eligible cardiologists (18,168) participated, with 78 percent (13,979) of eligible cardiologists receiving an incentive. The mean incentive amount awarded based on 2013 participation is $1,456. The final year in which a 0.5 percent incentive under the eRx Program could be earned was 2013. For the 2015 reporting year, those eligible will be subject to a -2 percent penalty in 2017 for unsuccessful reporting to PQRS. Physicians may also face additional penalties for unsuccessful PQRS reporting under the Value-Based Modifier.

The ACC encourages practices to review the 2015 PQRS reporting requirements and take action to ensure that your practice is prepared.

Keywords: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S., Electronic Prescribing, Medicaid, Medicare, Physicians

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