Federal Watch
June 22nd, 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 the Administration’s recent announcement about the rising use of electronic health records (EHR), and two upcoming CMS National Provider Calls about the EHR Incentive Program and the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Finally, we encourage you to take action by contacting your legislators, and urging them to fully address and put an end to the flawed SGR formula.
More than 100,000 Healthcare Providers Paid for Using Electronic Health Records
Administration officials announced that more than 100,000 providers across the U.S. are using certified electronic health record (EHR) systems — a number that puts them far ahead of their 2012 goal. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also said it has made more than $5.7 billion in EHR incentive payments to encourage the adoption of health IT. For more information, click here.
National Provider Call: Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs: Certified EHR Technology — Wednesday, June 27; 2-3:30pm ET
CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is holding a National Provider Call providing an overview of the use of certified EHR technology to meet meaningful use. Learn about the different types of certification and what certification actually tests. As of April 30, over $5 billion has been paid in EHR incentives under both programs. This is the last year Medicare eligible professionals can begin to participate to earn the full Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive payments. Registration Information: In order to receive call-in information, you must register for the call on the CMS Upcoming National Provider Calls web page.
National Provider Call: Medicare Shared Savings Program and Advance Payment Model Application Process — Monday, July 16; 1:30-3 pm ET
On October 20, 2011, CMS issued a final rule under the Affordable Care Act to establish the Medicare Shared Savings Program, along with a notice for the Advance Payment Model that will provide additional support to physician-led and rural Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) participating in the Shared Savings Program. These two initiatives will help providers participate in ACOs to improve quality of care for Medicare patients. On Monday, July 16, 2012, CMS will host a National Provider Call, where subject matter experts will provide an overview and updates to the Shared Savings Program application and Advance Payment Model application processes for the January 1, 2013 Shared Savings Program start date. A question and answer session will follow the presentations. The Shared Savings Program Application and the Advance Payment Model web pages have important information, dates, and materials on the application process. Call participants are encouraged to review the applications and materials prior to the call. Registration Information: In order to receive call-in information, you must register for the call on the CMS Upcoming National Provider Calls web page.
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, Senior Coordinator of Public Affairs & Advocacy, ssherman@americangeriatrics.org.
Modified On: June 22nd, 2012
