Category: CMS

  • Participate in Field Testing of Episode-Based Cost Measures by Nov. 15

    Participate in Field Testing of Episode-Based Cost Measures by Nov. 15

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    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is conducting a field test for eight episode-based cost measures before consideration of their potential use in the cost performance category of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) of the Quality Payment Program. During the field test, clinicians may access confidential feedback reports with information about their performance…

  • CMS Cancels Some Bundled Payment Proposals

    CMS Cancels Some Bundled Payment Proposals

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    CMS released a proposed rule that reduced the number of mandatory geographic areas for the joint bundled payment program and cancels the cardiac bundled payment program model. In response to the cut, the American College of Cardiology released a statement indicating the ACC “will continue to work with CMS on opportunities for clinicians to participate…

  • Fewer Physicians Could Be Audited under a New CMS Program

    Fewer Physicians Could Be Audited under a New CMS Program

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    Fewer physicians will undergo audits under a new Medicare claims review process, according to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announcement. CMS will roll out a new approach to claims review nationwide targeting fewer providers and requiring review of fewer claims. The new policy, to take effect later this year, makes it less likely…

  • CMS Proposes 2018 Payment and Policy Updates for the Physician Fee Schedule

    CMS Proposes 2018 Payment and Policy Updates for the Physician Fee Schedule

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    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule that would update Medicare payment and policies for doctors and other clinicians who treat Medicare patients in the calendar year 2018. The proposed rule is one of several Medicare payment rules for CY 2018 that reflect a broader strategy to relieve regulatory burdens for…

  • CMS Updates Proposed Rule for MACRA; Eases Burden for Some Physicians

    CMS Updates Proposed Rule for MACRA; Eases Burden for Some Physicians

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has unveiled a 1,058-page proposed rule updating the Medicare physician payment system implemented under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 with changes to make it easier for small independent and rural practices to participate. The proposed rule would make changes in the second year of…

  • New Quality Payment Program Resources Available

    New Quality Payment Program Resources Available

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    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revamped the look of the Quality Payment Program website and posted new resources to help you successfully participate in your first year of the Quality Payment Program. CMS encourages you to visit the website to review the following new resources: MIPS Quick Start Guide  Outlines the steps…

  • Would You Like to Comment on Proposed Changes to the EHR Incentive Programs?

    Would You Like to Comment on Proposed Changes to the EHR Incentive Programs?

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    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would like to hear from you on the FY 2018 Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long Term Acute Care Hospital Proposed Rule by June 13, 2017. Click here to read the FY 2018 Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long Term Acute Care Hospital Proposed Rule. Submit a Formal Comment by 5:00 p.m.…

  • Questions about Your MIPS Participation Status?

    Questions about Your MIPS Participation Status?

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    UPDATED MAY 18, 2017 — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced all physicians required to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System will receive notification of their participation status by the end of May. With the program already underway, status letters are considered by many to be long overdue. CMS recently sent letters to…

  • CMS Extends Meaningful Use Reporting Deadline to March 13

    CMS Extends Meaningful Use Reporting Deadline to March 13

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    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has postponed the deadline for the attestation to Meaningful Use by eligible professionals (EPs) participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. The old deadline of Feb. 28 has been postponed to Monday, March 13, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. PT. If you participate in the Electronic Health Records…

  • Deadline for Seeking Review of Potential Payment Penalties

    Deadline for Seeking Review of Potential Payment Penalties

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    Late last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services posted information on its website that physicians can consult to determine whether they will be subject to 2017 payment penalties associated with the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and the Value Modifier. Physician practices that have concerns about the findings in their report(s) have until November…