Bill Would Exempt Pathologists from 'Meaningful Use' Penalties

A bill introduced March 21 by Rep. Tom Price (R-GA.) would exempt pathologists from participating in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive programs.

The Health Information Technology Reform Act (H.R. 1309) would prevent pathologists from being eligible for the “meaningful use” incentives but would also protect them from Medicare payment penalties-scheduled to begin in 2015, for not meeting the program criteria.

The bill reflects long-standing concerns from pathologists that the meaningful use program for eligible professionals is focused almost entirely on office-based physicians and generally does not apply to their pathology practices.  The bill also notes that most pathologists already use laboratory and pathology information systems to maintain patient information and exchange laboratory and pathology test data with EHR and other systems.  APS will keep you informed as this bill moves through appropriate channels.