Another product of the Affordable Care Act, the Sunshine Law (also called Open Payments) begins implementation this year. The law requires manufacturers and group purchasing organizations publicly report certain transfers to or transactions with physicians. The goal is transparency and avoiding improper influence of physician's prescribing practices. Physicians should make sure … [Read more...] about What every medical office manager needs to know about the Sunshine Law
Health care reform
CMS finalizes changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program
Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized proposals that it says will address provider burnout and provide clinicians immediate relief from excessive paperwork tied to outdated billing practices. The final 2019 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the Quality Payment Program (QPP) rule also updates Medicare payment policies to promote access to … [Read more...] about CMS finalizes changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program
Reminder: Comments for QPP Year 3 NPRM due September 10
On July 12th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed changes to its Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP). CMS is seeking comment on various QPP provisions in the NPRM. Comments are due by 5:00 pm ET on September 10. You must officially submit your comments in one of the following ways: Electronically, through … [Read more...] about Reminder: Comments for QPP Year 3 NPRM due September 10
CMS proposes changes to modernize Medicare and aid the doctor-patient relationship
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed changes that would increase the amount of time that doctors and other clinicians can spend with their patients by reducing the burden of paperwork that clinicians face when billing Medicare. The proposed rules are intended to help restore the doctor-patient relationship by empowering clinicians to use their … [Read more...] about CMS proposes changes to modernize Medicare and aid the doctor-patient relationship
Future of Health survey finds patients and doctors want more digital interaction
Both consumers and physicians are eager for increased digital engagement, according to a new nationwide poll released by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) last week at HIMSS18. (HIMSS stands for Healthcare Information Management Systems Society.) More than half (54%) of consumers surveyed indicate a comfort level contacting their physician digitally, and express interest in using … [Read more...] about Future of Health survey finds patients and doctors want more digital interaction
What makes a successful practice manager
By Shane Carter bio Being a practice manager in today's health care environment is a very tough job. Disruptive and transformational change is underway in health care delivery. The modernization of health care has created a complex, changing environment that requires a successful practice to employ technology, advanced systems, and an educated and dedicated staff. Because … [Read more...] about What makes a successful practice manager
CMS has added new quality information to the Physician Compare website
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added new quality information to the Physician Compare website. The Affordable Care Act required the establishment of the Physician Compare website. The goal of the website is to help patients and caregivers make informed choices about the Medicare physicians and other clinicians they see; publicly reporting both new … [Read more...] about CMS has added new quality information to the Physician Compare website
CMS grants exceptions for providers affected by Hurricane Maria
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is granting exceptions under certain Medicare quality reporting and value-based purchasing programs to the following providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Maria, due to the devastating impact of the storm: inpatient psychiatric facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospices, inpatient … [Read more...] about CMS grants exceptions for providers affected by Hurricane Maria
The countdown for MACRA data collection is ON
By Tina Colangelo bio The last day to start collecting data is October 2, 2017. That is less than a month away. It is crucial to take action now and schedule a MACRA practice assessment. At the very least, these four questions need to be answered: Which payment track will I participate in in 2017, the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) or an Advanced … [Read more...] about The countdown for MACRA data collection is ON
In the News: Alliance helps member physicians collect patient reviews and manage online reputation
Physicians belonging to Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) in Florida now have help boosting their online reputation and gaining insight into their practices from patient reviews about their experiences, thanks to a new strategic alliance with Testimonial Tree. For a discounted price, member physicians will have access to Testimonial Tree's reputation management services, … [Read more...] about In the News: Alliance helps member physicians collect patient reviews and manage online reputation