Federal Watch
March 9th, 2012
AGS is tracking developments of interest to geriatrics health professionals in order to provide weekly updates for our readers via our List Serv, americangeriatrics.org, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed. This week, we update you on CMS’ initiative reduce antipsychotic use in nursing homes, a new AHRQ comparative effectiveness research grants program, the estimated cost of Alzheimer’s disease this year, and upcoming CMS provider calls. We additionally remind you of our recent advocacy activities, and how you can take action by contacting your legislators, urging them to fully address and put an end to the flawed SGR formula.
CMS Announces New Initiative to Reduce Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes
Later this month, CMS will launch a new initiative aimed at improving behavioral health and reducing the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing home residents. In conjunction with this initiative, CMS is developing a national action plan that will use a multidimensional approach including public reporting, raising public awareness, regulatory oversight, technical assistance/training and research. The action plan will aim to enhance person-centered care for nursing home residents, particularly those with dementia-related behaviors. There will be a kick off video streaming event on March 29th. AGS has long been dedicated to ensuring that Alzheimer’s and dementia patients are safely and effectively cared for are we pleased that CMS has asked for our assistance in this effort and look forward to working with them on this important initiative.
AHRQ Announces New Comparative Effectiveness Research Grants Program
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently announced a new grants program aimed at training researchers in comparative clinical effectiveness research. The program, entitled AHRQ Mentored Career Enhancement Award in Patient Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) for Mid-Career and Senior Investigators (K18), targets established mid-career and senior investigators who are interested in developing new skills in comparative effectiveness research methodology and applying these methods to patient-centered outcome research (PCOR). This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) stems from Section 6301(b) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which authorizes AHRQ to establish a grants program that provides for the training of researchers in comparative effectiveness methods. The first of several application due dates is May 2, 2012. For additional information on the grants program, including application instructions and key dates, click here.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care to Cost $200 Billion this Year
According to the Alzheimer's Association, the cost for taking care of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias will reach $200 billion this year, including $140 billion paid by Medicare and Medicaid. The Association also estimates that as many as 800,000 Americans have Alzheimer's and live alone. The full report, as well as a video, graphs, and state specific information are now available at www.alz.org/facts.
Upcoming CMS Providers Calls - Register Now
Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier Program: Experience from Private Sector Physician Pay-for-Performance Programs (Wednesday, March 14; 1:30-3pm ET)
This National Provider Call is in support of the efforts of CMS to implement the Medicare Physician Feedback and Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier Programs. This call is last in a series of calls CMS will hold to engage the public in dialogue about physician level value-based purchasing and obtain stakeholder input on how best to implement the physician value modifier. This National Provider Call will include presentations from a panel of three private sector experts who have had experiences in implementing physician-level pay-for-performance programs. The target audience includes Medicare fee-for-service physicians, specialty medical societies, and other interested parties. In order to participate and receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. For more details, including instructions on registering for the call, please visit here. The presentation for this call will be posted at least one day before the call on the CMS website.
Physician Quality Reporting System & Electronic Prescribing National Provider Call: Million Hearts Initiative (Tuesday, March 20; 1:30-3pm ET)
CMS will host a national provider call on the Physician Quality Reporting System & Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program. Subject matter experts will provide an overview on Million Hearts Initiative. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. The target audience includes all Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) providers; medical coders, physician office staff, provider billing staff, electronic health records staff and vendors. In order to participate and receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. For more details and to register for this informative session, please click here. The presentation will be posted at least one day before the call on the CMS website.
How You Can Help:
AGS encourages you to Take Action by visiting AGS’ Health in Aging Advocacy Center. Contact your members of Congress today, and urge them to call for both the repeal of the SGR and comprehensive Medicare payment and delivery reform. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Susie Sherman, Coordinator of Public Affairs & Advocacy, ssherman@americangeriatrics.org.
Modified On: March 9th, 2012
