CMS has extended the deadline to request an exemption from the 2012 e-prescribing penalty to November 8, 2011. Last week, CMS acknowledged multiple technical problems that were preventing Medicare physicians from accessing the web portal to request an exemption. In recognition of the technical issues, CMS will accept exemption requests submitted through November 8.

The link to request an e-prescribing exemption is https://www.qualitynet.org/portal/server.pt/community/communications_support_system/234

Any difficulties accessing the page may be related to the internet browser used. Some physicians that have reported difficulties accessing the page were able to successfully file their exemption by opening the page in a browser other than Internet Explorer. CMS offers the following guidance for those who still have difficulty accessing the page:

• After typing in the above link, in the internet browser, select Tools/Internet Options/Advanced.
• Scroll down toward the bottom and locate the “Use TLS 1.0” choice. Place a checkmark in the “Use TLS 1.0.”
• Click OK.
• Attempt to access the site again.

If you still have trouble accessing the site, the QualityNet Help Desk may be reached at 1-866-288-8912 or email at qnetsupport@sdps.org from 7am to 7pm CT, Monday through Friday. Due to the high volume of calls that the QualityNet Help Desk has been receiving there may be a waiting period.

More information on requesting an e-prescribing exemption is available on the Academy website www.aao.org/e-rx.