The American Medical Association (AMA) has sent out a note reminding its physicians that June 30, 2012 is the deadline to report on at least 10 electronic scripts to avoid the 2013 Medicare e-prescribing program penalty. Physicians who aren’t able to get 10 electronic scripts should apply for a hardship exemption, which AMA says will have to be applicable to their particular case before the June 30, 2012 deadline.

"While we do not think physicians are being given enough time to comply with the Medicare e-prescribing program, we want to make them aware of the upcoming e-prescribing deadline so they can take steps now to prevent being hit with the 2013 penalty," AMA Immediate Past-President Cecil B. Wilson, M.D. said in a statement.

CMS released the final regulation on the 2013 Medicare e-prescribing penalty program in November of last year. The penalty for not successfully participating in the program, or not filing for an exemption on time, is a 1.5 percent payment reduction for all Medicare claims based on the 2013 fee schedule amounts during the year.