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- March 6, 2018
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March 6, 2018
Having Issues Reporting MIPS? Tell CMS and Get IA Credit
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to learn more about reporting issues and burdens that practices have encountered with the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). As part of our MIPS advocacy for pathologists, the CAP continues to ask the CMS to reduce the administrative burden of MIPS reporting, and the CMS has responded by asking physicians directly for their feedback.
Currently the CMS is studying the Burdens Associated with Reporting Quality Measures in 2018, as outlined in the 2018 Quality Payment Program final regulation. The CMS study runs from April 2018 to March 2019.
In the study, the CMS would like to know and learn about:
- Clinical workflows and data collection methods using different submission systems when reporting on MIPS.
- Understand any challenges you have when you collect and report quality data.
- Recommend any changes that would lower your burden, improve quality data collection and reporting, and enhance clinical care.
If you are a MIPS eligible pathologist, you can report and participate in this study and may be eligible for a 2018 MIPS Improvement Activities performance category credit. The CMS will consider a limited number of clinicians who are not eligible for MIPS in 2018. To check your MIPS participation status go to HTTPS://QPP.CMS.GOV/.
In order to complete the study and earn full improvement activity credit, you’ll need to do the all of the following:
- Complete a 2017 MIPS participation survey in April/May 2018.
- Complete a 2018 MIPS planning survey in September/October 2018.
- If invited by the study team, you must join a virtual 90-minute focus group between November 2018 and February 2019.
- You must meet minimum requirements for the MIPS quality performance category by submitting data for at least three measures in the MIPS quality performance category, as required for 2018 MIPS participation. The data submitted must:
- Include one outcome measure.
- Be submitted to us by the March 31, 2019, final MIPS reporting deadline.
- Be submitted through any method accepted under 2018 MIPS Quality Payment Program.
If you report as a group, your entire group will earn credit. If you report as individuals, only you will earn credit.
You can begin your application here. The CMS is accepting applications for this study through March 23, 2018.
QPP Physician Compare Program Updates Webinar
In order to help physicians prepare and learn more about quality measures, the CMS hosted two “What’s New with Physician Compare” webinars, where they shared information about the recent 2016 measures release on Physician Compare, star ratings, and upcoming additions to the Physician Compare program.
Here are links to the webinar presentation slides and the web page. If you have questions about Physician Compare or any of the materials shared, please email PHYSICIANCOMPARE@WESTAT.COM.
Have Your Voice Heard At the 2018 Policy Meeting
Can pathologists really make a difference in helping to drive change? Yes and at the annual 2018 Policy Meeting, pathologists gather to listen and learn how to get involved in advocacy and meet with lawmakers to help drive change.
"Nobody understands better than you do," says Jared Abbott, MD, PhD, FCAP. Hear Dr. Abbot discuss how his practice has benefited by engaging with policy makers at both federal and state levels in educating others about the value pathology brings to patient care.
Like Dr. Abbott, CAP members can hear keynote speakers Judy Woodruff, Charlie Cook and William Kristol provide a unique perspective on the potential impact of the 2018 mid-term elections at the Policy Meeting, which is scheduled April 30 – May 2, at the Washington Marriott in Washington, DC.
Ms. Woodruff is the anchor and Managing Editor of “PBS NewsHour,” and has covered politics and other news for more than four decades at CNN, NBC, and PBS. For 12 years/ At PBS from 1983 to 1993, she was the chief Washington correspondent for The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. From 1984-1990, and she also anchored PBS' award-winning weekly documentary series, "Frontline with Judy Woodruff.”
Mr. Cook is editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and a columnist for National Journal magazine. Mr. Cook founded The Cook Political Report in 1984 and became a columnist for Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper, in 1986. Mr. Cook has served as a political analyst for CBS, CNN, and NBC and has also appeared on "Meet the Press" and "This Week."
Mr. Kristol is the editor-at-large of The Weekly Standard, is a regular on ABC’s “This Week” and on ABC’s special events and election coverage, and appears frequently on other leading political commentary shows. Prior to that, Kristol served as chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle during the George H.W. Bush Administration and to Education Secretary William Bennett during the Reagan Administration.
Attendees at the Policy Meeting will receive the latest information on the implementation of new Medicare and laboratory regulations. The 2018 Policy Meeting will also include discussions with congressional offices during the Annual Hill Day on May 2, which is the specialty's opportunity to focus on the federal issues most important to pathologists now and in the future.
The Policy Meeting is a benefit of CAP membership and there is no fee to register.
Register for the 2018 Policy Meeting.
Upcoming Webinar: Policy Meeting 101—What to Know Before You Go
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT
If you are one of the many pathologists concerned about practice or patient care implications from emerging policies and regulations, join us in this 60 minute webinar on April 4, 2018 at 1 pm ET/ 12 pm CT to learn the most effective ways you can ensure your voice is heard in Washington on issues that matter to you.
Gain insight on best practices and understand the difference you can make by engaging with your colleagues in protecting scope of practice and the quality of care for patients.
Already registered to attend this year’s Policy Meeting? This is a great webinar for CAP members who are attending the Policy Meeting, especially those attending for the first time, as you’ll gain a general understanding of grassroots advocacy before you arrive in Washington.
Whether you are DC bound or looking to get involved in your district, you’ll want to hear from experienced advocates Donald Karcher, MD, FCAP, Chair of the Committee of Government and Professional Affairs, Joe Saad, MD, FCAP, Federal and State Affairs Committee Chair, and moderator Michael Giuliani, CAP Advocacy Senior Director.