Applying for an EHR Hardship Exception: FAQs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched important changes to the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program hardship exception process that will reduce burdens on clinicians, hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).

• New FAQ: On the new hardship application form for the 2017 payment adjustment, there is nothing which says documentation is required to be submitted with the application form. Does this mean that CMS will only require the selection of a hardship category and the completion of the provider’s identifying information in order to approve a hardship exception? Or will CMS be reviewing the application and documentation on a case-by-case basis for each provider? See FAQ #14113.
• Updated FAQ: If an eligible professional, eligible hospital or CAH is unable to effectively plan for a reporting period in 2015 due to the timing of the publication of the 2015 through 2017 Modifications final rule, can they apply for a hardship exception? See FAQ #12845.

To review the hardship exception application and instructions, visit the Payment Adjustments and Hardship Information webpage.