Two critical deadlines are coming up next week related to the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program. Tuesday, July 1, is the last day that first time participants can begin their 90-day reporting period of meaningful use (MU) in order to avoid the Medicare payment adjustment that will begin on Jan. 1, 2015 AND to qualify for up to $24,000 in incentive dollars over the next 2.25 years. For more information click here.

Additionally, for those Medicare providers who were unable to successfully demonstrate MU in 2013,July 1, is the deadline to complete and submit a hardship exception application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). By completing a hardship exception application and providing supporting documentation that proves demonstrating meaningful use would be a significant hardship for you, you could avoid the 2015 payment adjustment. Hardship exemption applications are available on the CMS’ EHR website for: Eligible professionals and Eligible professionals submitting multiple National Provider Identifiers (NPIs). Additional information about payment adjustments and hardship exemptions is available on CMS’ website.