John, you were definitely out front on this one. While it certainly would be reasonable to take that approach, I am still not sure if I agree. On the other hand, I don't like Kibbe's main arguments. Here they are:
"1.Next year at this time, some of those newer EHRs may have proven themselves to be reliable, affordable designed to meet meaningful use criteria, perhaps with platforms in the cloud; some will even run on the iPad.
2. Next year at this time, the legacy vendors? prices for upgrades will probably have decreased as their demand tapers off in the face of the new competition for price, features and ease of use.
3. If you begin with 90 days of meaningful use next year, you can still qualify for the full incentive amount.
4. And by next year, if the stars align, the ONC and CMS will have taken to heart the recommendations from many, including the AAFP, to simplify, streamline and stretch out the timeline for the processes involved with applying for, attaining and getting paid for the ?meaningful use of certified EHR technology.?
I don't think 1 and 2 apply to AC users. 4 is unlikely. (Balanced by the equally unlikely scenario, in my opinion, that the whole incentive program would be cancelled, and that would be an argument to act now).
#3 is true, but I see no significant reason to wait.
He doesn't mention the advantage of waiting that we have discussed here, namely that you can take the 1% eRx incentive this year if you wait to get the EHR incentive in 2012. If you take EHR money in 2011, you forfeit that.
Advantages of applying for 2011: you only have to attest, without sending reports in 2011, and you only have to use it for 90 days. That is not true for 2012. And of course, you get the money a year earlier.
I understand the case for not participating and take MU incentives at all, but I think if I am going to do it, I will do it this year.
