CHICAGO – October 5, 2011 – The American Medical Association (AMA) urges physicians who were not able to meet the requirements of the Medicare ePrescribing program to apply for a hardship exemption before the November 1 deadline to avoid monetary penalties in 2012.

“Although we remain concerned that physicians are not being given enough time to comply with the e-prescribing program criteria, the AMA wants to ensure that physicians who are not able to meet the program requirements are aware of this upcoming exemption deadline so they can avoid penalties,” said AMA Immediate Past-President Cecil B. Wilson, MD.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on the 2012 Medicare ePrescribing Incentive Program last month. To apply for an exemption, visit https://www.qualitynet.org/portal/server.pt/community/communications_support_system/234.

To determine eligibility for the ePrescribing Incentive Program and to learn more about the reporting requirements and exemption categories, visit http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/hit/faq-cms-incentive-program.pdf .