AMA, 91 groups call on CMS to alter e-prescribing penalties

The American Medical Association and 91 state and specialty medical societies have submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concern over the proposed changes to the electronic prescribing penalty program. "The AMA has continually advocated for changes to the e-prescribing program to ensure it's fair for all physicians and that as many physicians as possible are able to successfully participate," said AMA immediate past president Cecil B. Wilson, MD. "While we appreciate the modifications CMS presented in the proposed rule, they don't go far enough. More changes are needed, including establishing an additional reporting period in 2012 and not applying penalties until 2013."