CMS wants to remind eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) of the key registration dates for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, and provide information to help them successfully register and start their path to payment for 2011.

Important Registration Dates to Remember:
 Nov 30, 2011 – Last day for eligible hospitals and CAHs to register and attest to receive a Medicare incentive payment for FY2011.
 Feb 29, 2012 – Last day for EPs to register and attest to receive a Medicare incentive payment for CY2011.

When Should Providers Register?
CMS encourages providers to register for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program(s) as soon as possible to avoid payment delays. Note that not all states have launched a Medicaid EHR Incentive Program yet; providers in Colorado will be able to register for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program in Spring 2012.

Registration Resources
CMS has a number of resources to help providers successfully register for the EHR Incentive Programs:
 Step-by-step registration guides, available on the CMS EHR Registration page
 A number of FAQs about registration on the EHR Incentive Programs website
 Webinars on YouTube to help guide providers through the registration process – one for EPs and one for hospitals