What is an EP?

An EP is an Eligible Professional. Different types of EPs are eligible for the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Unlike eligible hospitals, EPs are not eligible to participate in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Below is a listing of the eligible professionals in each program:

 

Eligible Medicare EPs include:

• Doctors of Medicine or Osteopathy
• Doctors of Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine
• Doctors of Podiatric Medicine
• Doctors of Optometry
• Chiropractors

 

Eligible Medicaid EPs include:

• Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Certified Nurse - Midwife
• Dentists
• Physicians Assistants who practice in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or Rural Health Center (RHC) that is led by a Physician Assistant

 

Medicaid EPs also must have a minimum of 30% Medicaid patient volume (20% minimum for pediatricians) or practice predominantly in a FQHC or RHC and have at least 30% patient volume to needy individuals.

 

Hospital based providers, defined as a provider who provides 90% or more of their services in either the inpatient or emergency department of a hospital, are not eligible for the Medicaid or Medicare programs.

What is an EHR?

An EHR is an Electronic Health Record. It is an electronic record of patient health information collected over one or more encounters in any healthcare setting. Generally, the following information is included in the patient health information:

• Demographic Information
• Problem Lists
• Medication and Allergy Lists
• Vital Signs
• Medical History
• Immunization Information
• Lab and Radiology Reports
• Billing Information

EHRs have the ability to generate a complete record of a clinical patient encounter, as well as aiding other healthcare-related activities through the system’s interface including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.

 

The implementation of EHRs has several advantages including reducing costs, improving quality of care, promoting evidence-based medicine, and improving record keeping and mobility. Some disadvantages include the cost of implementing EHR systems and the time required to learn new systems.