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
Health care reform
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
OIG Report: CMS dished out $729.4 million in wrongful EHR incentive payments & we’re going to get that money back
Wrongful payments of Electronic Health Records (EHR) incentives are at the focus of two of the month's biggest stories in health care compliance. The first came down on May 31 when the Justice Department announced that one of the biggest EHR software vendors in the country, eClinicalWorks, had settled false claims charges stemming from allegedly overstating the capabilities of … [Read more...] about OIG Report: CMS dished out $729.4 million in wrongful EHR incentive payments & we’re going to get that money back
Now available: 2017 CMS QRDA III Implementation Guide for Eligible Clinicians and Eligible Professionals, Schematron, and sample files
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the 2017 CMS Quality Reporting Document Architecture Category III (QRDA III) Implementation Guide (IG) Version 1.0 (7/07/2017) for Eligible Clinicians and Eligible Professionals (EPs) Programs with Schematron and sample files. This version replaces the 2017 CMS QRDA III IG for Eligible Clinicians Reporting … [Read more...] about Now available: 2017 CMS QRDA III Implementation Guide for Eligible Clinicians and Eligible Professionals, Schematron, and sample files
AMA launches campaign to maximize physician success in MACRA
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) promises to reshape how Medicare pays physicians under the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Yet, a survey of 1,000 practicing physicians who have been involved in practice decision-making related to QPP shows that fewer than one in four physicians feel well prepared to meet its requirements in 2017, according to a … [Read more...] about AMA launches campaign to maximize physician success in MACRA
5 ways for healthcare providers to get ready for new Medicare cards
By Dr. Richard E. Wild, M.D., FACEP Chief Medical Officer Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Region IV (AL, Fl, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN) Medicare is taking steps to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards. Through this initiative the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will prevent fraud, fight identity theft, and protect essential program funding and … [Read more...] about 5 ways for healthcare providers to get ready for new Medicare cards