CMS Updates
CMS has recently communicated the following update to providers: Disaster exceptions and exemptions, MIPS performance period and registry opens, and eCQM value set updates.
Read MoreRegulatory Issues
Opportunities and Threats to Home-Based Medical Care Under MACRA
By Bruce Leff & Christine Ritchie – Home-based medical care offers older homebound adults with multiple chronic conditions and functional limitations access to care — while enabling them to avoid living in an institution.
Affordable Care Act Advocates and Critics Agree on Health Care Recommendations
The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Future of Health Care expert panel is calling for a two-stage approach to health care reform that would first stabilize the individual insurance market, and then work expeditiously to address the more fundamental structural challenges in America’s current health care system.
Quality Payment Program Updates from CMS
The following are updates from the CMS email list services on the Quality Payment Program. Visit qpp.cms.gov to learn more about the QPP and if you are eligible to participate. Are you interested in improving the QPP website?
Working with Standards Organizations
By Keith Boone – One of the challenges for any organization when working with standards is that there are so many to choose from. For many years I had the luxury of being in a position that was nearly entirely devoted to the creation, tracking, management and leadership in standards development.
Medicare Finalizes Fiscal Year 2018 Payment & Policy Changes for Skilled Nursing Facilities
On July 31, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule [CMS-1679-F] outlining Fiscal Year 2018 Medicare payment rates and quality programs for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
New Medicare Card (formerly called SSNRI)
CMS is removing Social Security Numbers from Medicare cards to help fight identity theft and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
CMS Proposed Changes for Medicare Home Health Agencies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule that would update payment rates and the wage index for home health agencies (HHAs) serving Medicare beneficiaries in 2018 and proposes a redesign of the payment system in 2019.
Remembering Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Weed, Father of the First EMR
This past June healthcare lost Dr. “Larry” Weed, one of its great disruptors. Take some time to read about Dr. Weed’s impressive life and his dedication to improving how healthcare is delivered. “Larry Weed mentored hundreds, inspired thousands and entertained tens of thousands.”