Tagged with EMR EHR Electronic Medical Records
2018 eCQM Value Set Addendum for EPs, ECs Released
CMS has released an addendum to the electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) annual update specifications originally published in May 2017. This addendum updates eCQM value sets for the 2018 performance period for Eligible Professionals (EPs) and Eligible Clinicians (ECs).
VA Issues Proposed Rule to Allow Telemedicine Across State Lines
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed a rule that would preempt state laws restricting the ability of VA healthcare providers to supply telehealth services to veterans across state lines or within states, intended to increase the availability of mental health, specialty care, and general clinical care to veterans, especially in rural areas.
FY 2018 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule Released
CMS has issued the final rule for the fiscal year (FY) 2018 Update to the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). The rule outlines the general IPPS payment update, addresses changes to the payment methodology for Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) and makes changes to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program and Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program.
CMS Releases Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule
On June 20th, CMS released its 2018 Medicare Quality Payment Program (QPP) proposed rule. Officially titled, “CY 2018 Updates to the Quality Payment Program,” the rule includes key policy updates that seek to streamline reporting requirements and simplify participation under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) [Track 1] and the Advanced Alternative Payment Model (Advanced APM) [Track 2] pathways created by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).
TX – House Passes Bill to Allow Virtual Visits
The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill, by unanimous vote, that will enable physicians licensed in the state to supply telemedicine services to patients they have never met in person.
CMS gives over 800K Physicians Reprieve from MACRA Reporting in 2017
CMS has sent over 800,000 letters to clinicians, with notification that they will not be evaluated under the MACRA Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2017. Federal officials predict only about one-third of clinicians will have to file quality reports this year under the new Medicare payment system.
CMS Proposes 2018 Updates for Medicare Hospital Admissions
CMS has issued FY 2018 proposed rule for Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long Term Acute Care Hospital Prospective Payment System. The proposal hopes to relieve regulatory burdens for providers and encourage transparency, flexibility, and innovation in care delivery.
PA – Report Links over 850 Medication Errors to Health Information Technology
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority released an in-depth analysis of health information technology (HIT) related medication errors. The report indicates that 889 medication-error events were reported by health care facilities between January 1 and June 30, 2016, all of which indicated health information technology as a contributing factor.
PQRS EHR Reporting Deadline Extended through March 31
CMS has extended the deadline for PQRS EHR reporting for EPs, group practices, and their vendors through March 31.
