News & Updates From CMS
CMS is reporting these events, updates and deadlines for providers and hospitals. These items focus on the agency’s EHR Incentive programs as well as their eHealth and health IT programs and initiatives.
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2016 PQRS Educational Materials Now Available
CMS is pleased to announce the posting of several 2016 PQRS educational materials. PQRS is a quality reporting program that encourages individual eligible professionals (EPs) and group practices to report information on the quality of care to Medicare.
Meaningful Use Ending? Yes and No
By William Hersh MD – The HIT world was shaken to its core by Andy Slavitt, Acting Administrator of CMS, who announced that the CMS Meaningful Use program was over. More precisely, he stated, “The Meaningful Use program as it has existed, will now be effectively over and replaced with something better.”
A Look Ahead at 2016: Top 3 Industry Predictions
By Eric Nilsson – Whether they were highlights or lowlights, healthcare stories dominated the news in 2015. The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, expanded medical coverage, the meltdown of blood-testing startup Theranos and the arrest of pharmaceutical industry entrepreneur Martin Shkreli, criticized for raising the price of life-saving drugs, were some of the stories that took center stage.
1st look – LTPAC Medicine’s 2014 Quality Reports
By Rod Baird – Each year, since 2012, CMS sends large medical groups the annual Quality Score Card for the prior year. Starting this year, every group that billed Medicare Part B during 2014 has a report available. If your group hasn’t downloaded its report, CMS provides links.
VBM Deadlines, Milestones and Impact on PQRS
By Tom Lee – What are important annual VBM deadlines and milestones? Starting with the July Before Performance Year: CMS publishes proposed Medicare Part B PFS containing proposed VBM and PQRS rules for the following performance year.
Value-Based Payment Modifier (VBM) and the impacts of PQRS
By Tom Lee – Did you know the VBM applies to MSSP ACOs this year? Or that VBM quality and cost performance will constitute up to 60% of a provider’s future MIPS score? SA Ignite brings clarity to these questions and more in the following FAQ.
MU, PQRS and VBM Create New Payment Model MIPS
By Peggy Losey – How are you doing with Meaningful Use, PQRS and VBM? Are you using your QRUR as a roadmap to help get you there? Accepting a little road trip advice now will help you prepare for a safe arrival at your destination with minimal detours. CMS recently announced that the implementation of this program has begun. Are you on the right road?
Don’t Sleep on ICD-10 Testing
By Ken Edwards – The value of ICD-10 testing is deeper than confirming that your software is up-to-date and your vendors are tuned in and ready to support you throughout the transition. Testing is a time-sensitive training and learning opportunity for you, your vendors, and your payers—invaluable for key front-line staff in particular.