As we continue the journey for Stage 1 ARRA, if you have not filled out an application, you will need to register on the CMS website at http://www.cms.gov - they have a handy guide to walk you through the process. Registration help is available Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm all time zones at 888-734-6433. You must be signed up in PECOS (Provider enrollment chain and ownership system) for Medicare before you will be in an active status. That is located at https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov or calling 866-484-8049. You need to decide if you will qualify based on Medicare or Medicaid. Medicare Professionals that qualify are:

• Doctors of Medicine or Osteopathy

• Doctors of Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine

• Doctors of Podiatric Medicine

• Doctors of Optometry

• Chiropractors

Medicaid Professionals that qualify are:

• Physicians

• Nurse Practitioners

• Certified Nurse-midwife

• Dentists

• Physician Assistants

• Behavioral Health Providers

If you are registering for an EP (as most providers do not apply for themselves but have a staff member do it), you must have or setup a NPPES (National Plan and Provider Enumerator System) web account. You will also need:

• SSN or Tax Identifier

• NPI

• EHR Number (This comes from your EHR Vendor - this is optional until you attest)

• Business address and Phone Number

• Email

How do you decide which program to choose? Medicare Highlights: • This is run by CMS • The maximum amount you can get is $44,000 • There are payment reductions beginning in 2015 if you are eligible but choose not to participate • You must meet the objectives each year to get the payments

Medicaid Highlights:

• This is run by that state you operate in

• The maximum amount you can get is $63,750

• There will not be any payment reductions if you do not participate

• The first year you get an incentive payment for adopting, implementing, or upgrading an EHR. All remaining years you must meet the objectives to get payments.

• There is more detailed information on the cms.gov website about each program. I suggest choosing whichever program is your highest patient count type.