Medicare Incentives for Physicians:
Physicians would be eligible for a bonus payment, which can be paid either annually in a lump sum or periodically, for meaningful use of a certified EHR system. The amount of the incentive will be based upon estimates of allowed charges. Below are the maximum amounts a physician would be eligible for by year.

2011 - $18,000
2012 - $18,000 if this is the first year for adoption and use or $12,000 if this is the second year of use
2013 - $12,000 if this is the second year of use or $8,000 if this is the third year of use
2014 - $8,000 if this is the third year of use or $4,000 if this is the fourth year of use
2015 - $4,000 if this is the fourth year of use or $2,000 if this is the fifth year of use

If a provider first adopts and uses an EHR system in the year after the first year, then the maximum amount the new adopter is eligible for is the maximum for that year.

If the provider has not begun using an EHR system by 2015, the provider is subject to a reduction in payment unless the provider can demonstrate to the secretary that doing so would represent a hardship to the provider.