Registration for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, began Jan. 3, 2011. The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs are providing incentive payments to eligible health care professionals and hospitals as they demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Modern Healthcare reports that the first provider payments have already been issued; participants should register early to get the maximum incentive payments.

Visit the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s (ONC) website to read Dr. Blumenthal’s letter on why eligible health care professionals and hospitals should participate, and how to get started.