Summary of the H.R. 3590 and the impact on physicians

Today I reviewed a great summary of the H.R. 3590 bill that was signed into law on 3-23-2010. This was a pdf published by the North Carolina Medical Scociety. http://www.ncmedsoc.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/HR3590-and-Reconciliation-Bill-Comparison-3-23-2010.pdf

It is clear that there will be many changes that practices will start seeing. Some are relating to the potiential increase in Medicare/Medicaid patients (estimated at 16 million new Medicaid receipients), also some of the new penalties associated with not participating in the PQRI initiative. It is estimated that a 1.5% to 2% penalty will be imposed begining in 2015 for non PQRI participants . So, if EHR is in your plans, and you the practice does see a high volume of Medicare/Medicaid then this maybe a good time to contact the vendor to seek assistance for PQRI.

I also saw how there will be some bonus payments (10% Medicare bonus) for primary care and general surgeons practicing in shortage areas 2011-2015.