The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Records Incentive Program “meaningful use” verification period opens today. This allows providers who are demonstrating meaningful using of electronic health record (EHR) systems to submit for reimbursement as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. There are three stages of meaningful use under the CMS EHR incentive program. The first stage includes a 90-day attestation reporting period for which CMS has set up a step-by-step guide. As reported in Government Technology, experts said hospitals should begin their 90-day attestation period by July 3 and physicians by Oct. 1 in order to receive a Medicare payment in 2011. Experts also cautioned, however, that it’s important to take the time to make sure the EHR being used is able to report the appropriate criteria to qualify for meaningful use. For more information on the CMS EHR Incentive Program, visit their website.