Indiana FSSA announced last week that a St. Joseph County hospital has received a substantial incentive payment for meeting federal requirements for electronic recordkeeping.

Memorial Hospital of South Bend Indiana earned $1.52 million from Medicaid for successfully implementing Electronic Health Records (EHR). This makes them the first hospital in the state to qualify for an EHR incentive payment. "We're pleased that Memorial Hospital has taken the time and effort to support member-centered health care through the acquisitioned usage of EHR systems," said Michael Gargano, FSSA secretary. "On behalf of Indiana and FSSA, I'm delighted to make this kind of incentive payment to a great health care partner."

Providers and hospitals are able to receive Medicaid EHR incentive payments after registering and successfully implementing certified EHR technology. Electronic records not only increase efficiency, but good care becomes easier and safer when records can easily be shared. "This enhances our ability to ensure continued improvements in healthcare quality, efficiency and safety for all Hoosiers," said Pat Casanova, director, Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning. "By using certified EHR technology, providers and patients can be confident that such products and systems are secure, maintain confidentiality, and can work with other systems to share information."

Indiana has secured $148 million in federal funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) for these types of incentive payments through 2013. Indiana was one of the first 15 states to open it's Medicaid EHR incentive program for registration to Medicaid eligible hospitals and providers.

For more information about participating in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, visit this website.