Tag: MACRA
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Medical Association Endorses Refinements to Improve MACRA
Since the enactment of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, many organizations have worked with Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to promote a smooth implementation of the two payment models. Although MACRA is an improvement over the flawed sustainable growth rate payment model, its implementation has been flawed. The Medical…
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Don’t Forget Your Risk Assessments!
Many medical practices are planning their Security Risk Assessments for the new year. Whether to better qualify for the 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) or to fulfill obligations to comply with the HIPAA Security Rule, a strong strategy now will reap benefits later. It’s a good time to remember what is required when conducting…
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New Learning Opportunities Available for County Societies
The Medical Association is partnering with Warren Averett in 2019 to provide several topics that you can use to host events that will interest the physician members in your county, at no cost to you. Each talk lasts about 30 minutes and several can be combined for a 60-minute talk. MACRA/MIPS Refresher. MACRA is now in…
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CMS Releases Proposed Rule for 2019 Medicare Quality Payment Program
On July 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its proposed policies for Year 3 (2019) of the Quality Payment Program via the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The provisions included in the NPRM are reflective of the feedback we received from many stakeholders, and continue to provide additional flexibilities to reduce burden…
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CMS Announces New Funding Opportunity for Quality Payment Program (MACRA)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced a new funding opportunity for development, improvement and expansion of quality measures for the Quality Payment Program. According to CMS, the program over three years will provide up to $30 million in funding and technical assistance to clinicians, patients and others working on QPP measures. These…
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Bipartisan Budget Act Boosts Health Programs
In a rare show of bipartisanship for the mostly polarized 115th Congress, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 is officially one for the record books. The week leading up to the final vote was far from smooth with Sen. Nancy Pelosi impressively filibustering on the floor of the U.S. Senate for eight hours to Rep.…
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Updates to 2017 Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy for MIPS Clinicians
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated its Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) transition year to include counties affected by Hurricane Nate and additional counties affected by the California wildfires. CMS understands that living in an area where these disasters took place may impact your…
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MACRA: Rolled Out and Still Rolling
Most physicians have, by this point, gained some familiarity with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). The name of this law has appeared frequently in commentary over the past several years, and the changes it imposes are well on their way. However, many of the details concerning MACRA’s implementation—how it affects…
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Medical Association’s 2018 State and Federal Agendas
The Medical Association Board of Censors has met and approved the Association’s 2018 State and Federal Agendas. These agendas were developed with guidance from the House of Delegates and input from individual physicians. As the Alabama Legislature and U.S. Congress begin their work for 2018, additional items affecting physicians, medical practices and patients may be…
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CMS Issues Final Rule on 2018 Medicare Reimbursement
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a final rule that includes updates to payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) on or after Jan. 1, 2018. Background on the Physician Fee Schedule Payment is made under the PFS for services furnished by…