On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly known as the stimulus, which included $30 billion for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH).

Q. Is there really $30 billion for adoption of EMR/EHR systems?
A. Yes, there is $30 billion available, although only $17 billion is slated to get into the hands of physicians. The other $13 billion will go to support “systems” but not directly into physicians’ hands.

Q.How do I qualify for the stimulus?
A. You must prove “Meaningful Use” with a certified EMR and then verify your clinic qualifies for the Medicare program (up to $45,000 per provider) or the Medicaid program (up to $65,000 per provider).

Q.When will “Meaningful Use” be defined?
A.The federal government expects to have a definition by December 31st, 2009, followed by a 60 day period for public comments. A final definition is expected by spring of 2010.

Q.When do I get reimbursed?
A.The money will be released beginning in 2011 over a five year period.

Q.How much money can I actually receive?
A.You can receive up to $65,000 per provider under the Medicaid program and up to $45,000 per provider 
under the Medicare program.

Q.How do I know if I qualify for the Medicare or Medicaid program?
A.You qualify for the Medicaid program if at least 30% of your patient base is Medicaid patients. Otherwise, you will qualify for the lower paying Medicare program.

Q.Do mid-levels qualify for the stimulus?
A.Yes, mid-levels qualify under the Medicaid program but not under the Medicare program.

Q.Can I show “Meaningful Use” with DocuTAP’s EMR?
A.DocuTAP guarantees not only to qualify under the yet to be determined “Meaningful Use” definition, but we also plan to help keep our clients and prospects up to date with all criteria and required paperwork.

Q.Is DocuTAP certified?
A.DocuTAP is currently certified by CCHIT under the 2007standards. Once the new standards are fully defined, DocuTAP will need to recertify to confirm qualification. We have gone through the certification process before and are committed to getting certified again so that every DocuTAP client has the ability to apply for these dollars.

Q.Who are the certifying bodies?
A.There is really only one recognized certifying body today, but we expect many new certifying bodies to enter the market. DocuTAP plans to use CCHIT to secure the required certification.

Q.Should I wait until the definition is final before choosing an EMR?
A.We strongly encourage you to look at the robust capabilities of the product and our history of securing CCHIT certification. That being said, in order to start receiving funds in 2011, you will need to have an EMR installed in 2010. DocuTAP expects increased traffic during this time resulting in a limited number of clinics being installed. 

If you have more questions or would like to schedule a demonstration of the DocuTAP solution, please contact us.