CMS has added new information to the Attestation section of the EHR website about the appeals process for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. To read more, click here.
On December 1st, 2011, CMS began accepting appeals for eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). To help EPs, eligible hospitals and CAHs, the CMS Office of Clinical Standards and Quality (OCSQ) is providing guidance on how to file an appeal.
OCSQ's Division of Health Information Technology released the first informal review decision for the EHR Incentive Program on January 19, 2012. Beginning in February 2012, this informal review decision and other appeal decisions will be posted on the website, OCSQ Appeals. Starting in March, 2012, providers may find their decisions by visiting the Appeals Portal.
For general questions and for information on how to file an appeal, EPs, eligible hospitals, CAHs, and Medicare Advantage Organizations may contact OCSQ's designated appeal support contractor, Provider Resources, Inc., via the following:
Toll-free number: 855-796-1515 (Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday)
Email: OCSQAppeals@provider-resources.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Webinar: New AHRQ Toolkit Supports Hospital Efforts To Improve Quality and Safety
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released today a free toolkit designed to guide hospitals through the process of using the AHRQ Inpatient Quality Indicators (IQIs) and Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) to improve care. The AHRQ Quality IndicatorsTM Toolkit for Hospitals is designed and tested to meet the needs of a variety of hospital-based users, including senior leaders, quality staff, and multistakeholder improvement teams. AHRQ developed these research-based tools through a 2-year contract with RAND in collaboration with UHC.
The toolkit includes an “Introduction and Roadmap” to help users identify the resources that are best suited to their specific needs at any given point in the improvement process. It is organized into seven sections:
1. Determining Readiness To Change
2. Applying QIs to the Hospital Data
3. Identifying Priorities for Quality Improvement
4. Implementing Improvements
5. Monitoring Progress for Sustainable Improvements
6. Analyzing Return on Investment
7. Using Other Resources
To download the toolkit, click here.
To learn more about the toolkit from the developers and hear from a quality expert at a hospital that tested it, register for a free AHRQ-sponsored Webinar on February 15 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. MST
The toolkit includes an “Introduction and Roadmap” to help users identify the resources that are best suited to their specific needs at any given point in the improvement process. It is organized into seven sections:
1. Determining Readiness To Change
2. Applying QIs to the Hospital Data
3. Identifying Priorities for Quality Improvement
4. Implementing Improvements
5. Monitoring Progress for Sustainable Improvements
6. Analyzing Return on Investment
7. Using Other Resources
To download the toolkit, click here.
To learn more about the toolkit from the developers and hear from a quality expert at a hospital that tested it, register for a free AHRQ-sponsored Webinar on February 15 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. MST
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Register Now for the 'ICD 10 - Keys to Successful Transitions' Workshop
For more information or to register, please click on the location nearest you!
February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado
February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado
March 27th in Alamosa, Colorado
March 28th in Lamar, Colorado
Your registration confirmation is your ticket to the workshop.
February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado
February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado
March 27th in Alamosa, Colorado
March 28th in Lamar, Colorado
Your registration confirmation is your ticket to the workshop.
CMS Has Updated the EHR Information Center with Enhanced Functionality
CMS is proud to announce that after a review of collected feedback, enhancements and changes have recently been made to the EHR Information Center Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
Among these caller-friendly revisions is a new feature to assist with Hot Topics, including registration and attestation, as well as updated Password Reset menus. These improvements will enable eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) to obtain information about the EHR Incentive Program more easily and efficiently.
Directions for Calling the EHR Information Center
1. To contact the IVR, dial 1-888-734-6433 (primary number) or 888-734-6563 (TTY number).
2. Take advantage of the new options from the main menu by doing the following:
Press 1 for Hot Topics
For information on when registration begins, press 1.
For information on attestation, press 2.
For information on being a dually-eligible hospital, press 3.
For information on registration tips, press 4.
For information on payment time frames, press 5.
For information on important upcoming dates, press 6.
For information on the clinical quality measures (CQM) eReporting pilot, press 7.
For information on HPSA payments, press 8.
Press 2 for Information on NPPES and PECOS password resets
For EPs needing NPPES/PECOS password resets, press 1.
For eligible hospitals needing PECOS password resets, press 2.
Press 0 to speak with an information specialist.
For registration questions, press 1.
For all other questions, press 2.
EHR Information Center Hours of Operation:
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.(General information is available on the IVR 24 hours a day, except during planned system maintenance.)
Among these caller-friendly revisions is a new feature to assist with Hot Topics, including registration and attestation, as well as updated Password Reset menus. These improvements will enable eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) to obtain information about the EHR Incentive Program more easily and efficiently.
Directions for Calling the EHR Information Center
1. To contact the IVR, dial 1-888-734-6433 (primary number) or 888-734-6563 (TTY number).
2. Take advantage of the new options from the main menu by doing the following:
Press 1 for Hot Topics
For information on when registration begins, press 1.
For information on attestation, press 2.
For information on being a dually-eligible hospital, press 3.
For information on registration tips, press 4.
For information on payment time frames, press 5.
For information on important upcoming dates, press 6.
For information on the clinical quality measures (CQM) eReporting pilot, press 7.
For information on HPSA payments, press 8.
Press 2 for Information on NPPES and PECOS password resets
For EPs needing NPPES/PECOS password resets, press 1.
For eligible hospitals needing PECOS password resets, press 2.
Press 0 to speak with an information specialist.
For registration questions, press 1.
For all other questions, press 2.
EHR Information Center Hours of Operation:
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.(General information is available on the IVR 24 hours a day, except during planned system maintenance.)
New Health Information Technology Resource Targets Rural Health Providers
A new online toolkit will serve as a pilot program for providing health information technology (HIT) resources to rural health care providers. The toolkit, developed by the Rural Assistance Center (RAC) and the National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center) is designed to help rural providers find resources for HIT, electronic health records (EHR), meaningful use and related topics. Funding for the toolkit, available at http://www.raconline.org/hit/, is provided by the federal Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP).
This toolkit was developed as a result of the President’s Rural Health Initiative, which identifies HIT as a priority. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius established the Rural HIT Taskforce to address challenges rural communities face in adopting HIT and achieving meaningful use. The taskforce offers ways to meet those challenges and show rural communities how to coordinate federal resources. The taskforce is co-chaired by HRSA Administrator Dr. Mary Wakefield and National Coordinator for HIT Dr. Farzad Mostashari.
Using the toolkit, rural communities will be able to:
Address challenges in finding capital funding
Provide support to community colleges to enhance training programs
Stay informed about legislation affecting EHRs
Leverage multiple federal resources for project development
Toolkit resources provide guidance in the planning, setup, implementation and operation of an HIT infrastructure. Additional information also shows where to find training programs, funding support and management expertise. Resources are broken down by category and topic for easier access, and can be sorted for more specific results.
For more information
Kristine Sande, RAC Program Director
701.777.6466
This toolkit was developed as a result of the President’s Rural Health Initiative, which identifies HIT as a priority. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius established the Rural HIT Taskforce to address challenges rural communities face in adopting HIT and achieving meaningful use. The taskforce offers ways to meet those challenges and show rural communities how to coordinate federal resources. The taskforce is co-chaired by HRSA Administrator Dr. Mary Wakefield and National Coordinator for HIT Dr. Farzad Mostashari.
Using the toolkit, rural communities will be able to:
Address challenges in finding capital funding
Provide support to community colleges to enhance training programs
Stay informed about legislation affecting EHRs
Leverage multiple federal resources for project development
Toolkit resources provide guidance in the planning, setup, implementation and operation of an HIT infrastructure. Additional information also shows where to find training programs, funding support and management expertise. Resources are broken down by category and topic for easier access, and can be sorted for more specific results.
For more information
Kristine Sande, RAC Program Director
701.777.6466
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
January 3rd Marked the One Year Milestone for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs
January 3rd was the one year anniversary of the start of registration for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. Over the past year, there has been a tremendous amount of interest in the incentive programs as providers across the country have implemented EHRs.
Year one highlights include:
43 states have started their Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs
Over 176,000 people have registered for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs
Over $2.5 billion has been paid in incentive payments to eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) across the country
CMS has created useful resources to participants in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.
A few new resources include:
An Introduction to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program for Eligible Professionals- this interactive guide walks EPs through every aspect of the Medicare program, and provides helpful resources and tips along the way.
Updated User Guides- CMS has updated the registration and attestation user guides, which direct EPs and eligible hospitals through CMS' registration and attestation system. There are five guides that all can be downloaded from the Educational Materials page of the CMS website.
Provider Testimonial Videos- these videos, which can be found on the CMS YouTube channel, highlight providers' experiences participating in the EHR Incentive Programs.
A Look Ahead
As we move into 2012 and the second participation year of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, CMS is hopeful that providers will begin or continue their participation in the programs, and take advantage of these incentives for meaningful use of EHRs.
If you are considering registering for the programs, but have not done so yet, take a look at the CMS EHR website and use our eligibility tool to find out if you can participate.
Remember: 2012 is the last year in which EPs can receive a full incentive payment in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. Beginning in 2013, EPs will receive a smaller overall total payment.
Year one highlights include:
43 states have started their Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs
Over 176,000 people have registered for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs
Over $2.5 billion has been paid in incentive payments to eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) across the country
CMS has created useful resources to participants in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.
A few new resources include:
An Introduction to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program for Eligible Professionals- this interactive guide walks EPs through every aspect of the Medicare program, and provides helpful resources and tips along the way.
Updated User Guides- CMS has updated the registration and attestation user guides, which direct EPs and eligible hospitals through CMS' registration and attestation system. There are five guides that all can be downloaded from the Educational Materials page of the CMS website.
Provider Testimonial Videos- these videos, which can be found on the CMS YouTube channel, highlight providers' experiences participating in the EHR Incentive Programs.
A Look Ahead
As we move into 2012 and the second participation year of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, CMS is hopeful that providers will begin or continue their participation in the programs, and take advantage of these incentives for meaningful use of EHRs.
If you are considering registering for the programs, but have not done so yet, take a look at the CMS EHR website and use our eligibility tool to find out if you can participate.
Remember: 2012 is the last year in which EPs can receive a full incentive payment in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. Beginning in 2013, EPs will receive a smaller overall total payment.
Webinar: Evaluation of Personal Health Record (PHR) systems and their Impact on Chronic Disease
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
National Web Conference on the Evaluation of Personal Health Record (PHR) systems and their Impact on Chronic Disease
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
11:00- 12:30 MST
Overall Purpose:
Through continuing review of new developments and new research in public health and health care, previous CE activity evaluation and the judgment of the CE planning group, we identified a gap between healthcare and public health practitioner’s competencies as it relates to maintaining privacy and security in the HIT/HIE environment. This series of webinars in designed to increase practitioners’ competencies to improve health care decision-making; support patient-centered care and improve the quality and safety of medication management. The purpose of this specific webinar is to illustrate how health IT can impact chronic disease care.
Confirmed Speakers:
Peggy Wagner, PhD, Director of Research Development for the Institute for Advancement of Health Care, University of South Carolina
Carl Stepnowsky, PhD, Research Scientist, Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Lygeia Ricciardi, Senior Policy Advisor for Consumer e-health, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
Moderator:
Teresa Zayas Caban, PhD, Senior Manager, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Target Audience:
AHRQ Grantees/Researchers
Health Care Providers including Physicians and Nurses
Consumers/Patients
Health Care Policy Makers
To Register:
1. Go to: https://ahrqnrc-conferences.webex.com/ahrqnrc-conferences/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=992643635
2. Click "Register".
3. On the registration form, enter your information and then click "Submit".
National Web Conference on the Evaluation of Personal Health Record (PHR) systems and their Impact on Chronic Disease
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
11:00- 12:30 MST
Overall Purpose:
Through continuing review of new developments and new research in public health and health care, previous CE activity evaluation and the judgment of the CE planning group, we identified a gap between healthcare and public health practitioner’s competencies as it relates to maintaining privacy and security in the HIT/HIE environment. This series of webinars in designed to increase practitioners’ competencies to improve health care decision-making; support patient-centered care and improve the quality and safety of medication management. The purpose of this specific webinar is to illustrate how health IT can impact chronic disease care.
Confirmed Speakers:
Peggy Wagner, PhD, Director of Research Development for the Institute for Advancement of Health Care, University of South Carolina
Carl Stepnowsky, PhD, Research Scientist, Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Lygeia Ricciardi, Senior Policy Advisor for Consumer e-health, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
Moderator:
Teresa Zayas Caban, PhD, Senior Manager, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Target Audience:
AHRQ Grantees/Researchers
Health Care Providers including Physicians and Nurses
Consumers/Patients
Health Care Policy Makers
To Register:
1. Go to: https://ahrqnrc-conferences.webex.com/ahrqnrc-conferences/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=992643635
2. Click "Register".
3. On the registration form, enter your information and then click "Submit".
Monday, January 23, 2012
Colorado Eligible Providers and Hospitals Can Register for Medicaid Incentives on the CMS Website!
Colorado Eligible Providers (EP) and Eligible Hospitals (EH) can now register for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program on the CMS Registration & Attestation site! Colorado is now available in the drop down menu when you choose the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.
In order to apply for Medicaid Incentive funds, each EP and EH must register with both the CMS site and the Colorado Registration & Attestation (CO R&A) system. The CO R&A site will be open to register in Spring 2012, but in the meantime, you can visit the site and use their various worksheets to prepare for the Medicaid EHR Incentive program.
Even though the CO R&A system will not be available for a few more months, we encourage any EP applying for Medicaid Incentive funds and any EH that is applying for Medicare/Medicaid Incentive funds to register soon on the CMS Registration & Attestation site.
In order to apply for Medicaid Incentive funds, each EP and EH must register with both the CMS site and the Colorado Registration & Attestation (CO R&A) system. The CO R&A site will be open to register in Spring 2012, but in the meantime, you can visit the site and use their various worksheets to prepare for the Medicaid EHR Incentive program.
Even though the CO R&A system will not be available for a few more months, we encourage any EP applying for Medicaid Incentive funds and any EH that is applying for Medicare/Medicaid Incentive funds to register soon on the CMS Registration & Attestation site.
Friday, January 20, 2012
HHS Launches First Consumer Health IT Video Challenge of 2012
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology announced today a nationwide, open call for entries in the Healthy New Year Video Challenge, highlighting personal stories of patients and families using health technology to improve health. The video challenge, launched by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), kicks off the first in a series of consumer video contests in 2012 as a way to engage consumers to integrate technology into their health care.
To read more, click here.
To read more, click here.
AHRQ National Web Conference on the Evaluation of Personal Health Record (PHR) Systems and Their Impact on Chronic Disease
Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Time: 11:00 - 12:30 p.m., MST
Overall Purpose:Through continuing review of new developments and new research in public health and health care, previous continuing education (CE) activity evaluation, and the judgment of the CE planning group, we identified a gap between health care and public health practitioners’ competencies in maintaining privacy and security in the health information technology (health IT)/health information exchange environment. This series of Webinars is designed to increase practitioners’ competencies to improve health care decision-making; support patient-centered care, and improve the quality and safety of medication management. The purpose of this specific Webinar is to illustrate how health IT can impact chronic disease care.
Confirmed Speakers:
Peggy Wagner, Ph.D., Director of Research Development for the Institute for Advancement of Health Care, University of South Carolina
Carl Stepnowsky, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Lygeia Ricciardi, Senior Policy Advisor for Consumer e-health, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
Ms. Ricciardi has no conflict of interests to report.
Moderator:Teresa Zayas-Caban, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the learning process involved in implementing a Personal Health Record (PHR)
system for chronic disease care.
2. Identify health IT strategies that impact disease outcomes through collaborative management.
3. Describe how the Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC’s) consumer e-health strategy
for creating opportunities for improved patient engagement is supported by AHRQ’s work.
Target Audience:
AHRQ grantees/researchers
Health care providers including physicians and nurses
Consumers/patients
Health care policymakers
To Register:
1. Go to: https://ahrqnrc-conferences.webex.com/ahrqnrc-conferences/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=9926436352. Select "Register."3. On the registration form, enter your information and then select "Submit."
Time: 11:00 - 12:30 p.m., MST
Overall Purpose:Through continuing review of new developments and new research in public health and health care, previous continuing education (CE) activity evaluation, and the judgment of the CE planning group, we identified a gap between health care and public health practitioners’ competencies in maintaining privacy and security in the health information technology (health IT)/health information exchange environment. This series of Webinars is designed to increase practitioners’ competencies to improve health care decision-making; support patient-centered care, and improve the quality and safety of medication management. The purpose of this specific Webinar is to illustrate how health IT can impact chronic disease care.
Confirmed Speakers:
Peggy Wagner, Ph.D., Director of Research Development for the Institute for Advancement of Health Care, University of South Carolina
Carl Stepnowsky, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Lygeia Ricciardi, Senior Policy Advisor for Consumer e-health, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
Ms. Ricciardi has no conflict of interests to report.
Moderator:Teresa Zayas-Caban, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the learning process involved in implementing a Personal Health Record (PHR)
system for chronic disease care.
2. Identify health IT strategies that impact disease outcomes through collaborative management.
3. Describe how the Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC’s) consumer e-health strategy
for creating opportunities for improved patient engagement is supported by AHRQ’s work.
Target Audience:
AHRQ grantees/researchers
Health care providers including physicians and nurses
Consumers/patients
Health care policymakers
To Register:
1. Go to: https://ahrqnrc-conferences.webex.com/ahrqnrc-conferences/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=9926436352. Select "Register."3. On the registration form, enter your information and then select "Submit."
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
THE Consortium January 2012 Webinar: Medicaid EHR Incentive Program
Please join us for THE Consortium webinar on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 12:00pm - 1:15pm where we will discuss the latest developments for the Colorado Medicaid EHR Incentive program, including eligibility, qualification and the new Provider Outreach website.
To register for this webinar, click here.
To register for this webinar, click here.
National Coordinator for ONC Celebrates Colorado’s Rural Hospitals and Clinics Reaching Meaningful Use
1.12.12, Denver, CO
Representatives from the Office of National Coordinator (ONC), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) visited Denver last Thursday at an event hosted by the Colorado Regional Health Information Organization (CORHIO). The purpose of the event was to evaluate the HIT and HIE work being conducted by organizations and facilities across Colorado as part of a multi-state visit to evaluate the progression of the Meaningful Use Incentive program. The National Coordinator for ONC, Farzad Mostashari, MD, and his colleagues were especially encouraged by the collaborative work occurring across the state to not only achieve meaningful use, but the efforts being made to use the electronic health information now available to transform care at the bedside.
Phyllis Albritton, Executive Director at CORHIO recapped the meeting. “Our federal partners were very impressed with the thoughtful way in which the federal agenda of Meaningful Use and HIE was being integrated and incorporated into more than meeting the criteria. They not only were impressed with the breadth of the collaboration and commitment of organizations across the state, both large and small, but the extent to which HIT and HIE were thought of as a cornerstone for success.”
As part of the day-long event, Dr. Mostashari and HHS Region VII Director, Marguerite Salazar led a “MUVer” (Meaningful Use Vanguards) Celebration Ceremony for those facilities achieving Meaningful Use of their EHR in 2012. Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center and Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center were among the participants who attended the ceremony as the first two Critical Access Hospitals in Colorado to reach Meaningful Use. MidValley Family Practice in Basalt and Ouray Family Medicine in Ouray were also recognized for their monumental achievement as two of the first rural clinics to attest in the state.
“ONC not only was thrilled with the successes of the Regional Extension Center work, but the commitment of community partners to continue to meet the requirements and expectations of continued investment and growth in HIT/HIE. They didn’t know what to expect but had never had an event like this, even in the larger states like New York and California, where a significant representation of the healthcare community participated.”, stated Albritton.
Congratulations to all of our rural providers for your amazing achievements in HIT and your commitment to achieving excellence in patient care!
Representatives from the Office of National Coordinator (ONC), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) visited Denver last Thursday at an event hosted by the Colorado Regional Health Information Organization (CORHIO). The purpose of the event was to evaluate the HIT and HIE work being conducted by organizations and facilities across Colorado as part of a multi-state visit to evaluate the progression of the Meaningful Use Incentive program. The National Coordinator for ONC, Farzad Mostashari, MD, and his colleagues were especially encouraged by the collaborative work occurring across the state to not only achieve meaningful use, but the efforts being made to use the electronic health information now available to transform care at the bedside.
Phyllis Albritton, Executive Director at CORHIO recapped the meeting. “Our federal partners were very impressed with the thoughtful way in which the federal agenda of Meaningful Use and HIE was being integrated and incorporated into more than meeting the criteria. They not only were impressed with the breadth of the collaboration and commitment of organizations across the state, both large and small, but the extent to which HIT and HIE were thought of as a cornerstone for success.”
As part of the day-long event, Dr. Mostashari and HHS Region VII Director, Marguerite Salazar led a “MUVer” (Meaningful Use Vanguards) Celebration Ceremony for those facilities achieving Meaningful Use of their EHR in 2012. Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center and Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center were among the participants who attended the ceremony as the first two Critical Access Hospitals in Colorado to reach Meaningful Use. MidValley Family Practice in Basalt and Ouray Family Medicine in Ouray were also recognized for their monumental achievement as two of the first rural clinics to attest in the state.
“ONC not only was thrilled with the successes of the Regional Extension Center work, but the commitment of community partners to continue to meet the requirements and expectations of continued investment and growth in HIT/HIE. They didn’t know what to expect but had never had an event like this, even in the larger states like New York and California, where a significant representation of the healthcare community participated.”, stated Albritton.
Congratulations to all of our rural providers for your amazing achievements in HIT and your commitment to achieving excellence in patient care!
* The photo at the top of the post includes Lesley Fagerberg and Andy Waldbart with The Heart of the Rockies Medical Center along with Farzad Mostashari, MD, National Coordinator for ONC. The second photo includes Bill Bolt and Mark See from Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center along with Dr. Mostashari and Marguerite Salazar, HHS Region VII Director.
CRHC Congratulates Mountain Medical of Ridgway for reaching Meaningful Use!
CRHC wishes to congratulate Mountain Medical of Ridgway on successfully attesting to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program!!
Dr. Joel Gates and Dr. Loran Sherwood and their staff at Mountain Medical of Ridgway have been working diligently over the past year to reach Meaningful Use and CRHC as their CO-REC partner is very excited for them.
Congratulations!!
Dr. Joel Gates and Dr. Loran Sherwood and their staff at Mountain Medical of Ridgway have been working diligently over the past year to reach Meaningful Use and CRHC as their CO-REC partner is very excited for them.
Congratulations!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
National & Regional Laboratories Intend to Send Results through CORHIO HIE
In the near future, participants of the CORHIO Health Information Exchange (HIE) will begin to seamlessly receive their patients' lab test results from LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, the two largest laboratories in the nation, as well as Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories (PAML) a large, regional lab...
READ FULL ARTICLE »
READ FULL ARTICLE »
Important Upcoming Dates for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program and Information on the Payment Threshold for EPs
As 2012 begins, CMS wants to remind eligible professionals (EPs) participating in the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program of important deadlines approaching and what can still be completed in 2012 in order to receive an incentive payment for calendar year (CY) 2011.
Important Medicare EHR Incentive Program Dates
On December 31, 2011, the reporting year ended for EPs who participated in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in 2011. What does this mean? For participating EPs, they must have completed their 90-day reporting period by the end of 2011.
However, EPs have until February 29, 2012, to actually register and attest to meeting meaningful use to receive an incentive payment for CY 2011 through the Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Registration and Attestation System.
Payment Threshold Information
February 29, 2012, is also the deadline for EPs to submit any pending Medicare Part B claims from CY 2011, as CMS allows 60 days after December 31, 2011, for all pending claims to be processed. This means that EPs have 60 days in 2012 to submit claims for allowed charges incurred in 2011.
Medicare EHR incentive payments to EPs are based on 75% of the Part B allowed charges for covered professional services furnished by the EP during the entire payment year.
If the EP did not meet the $24,000 threshold in Part B allowed charges by the end of calendar year 2011, CMS expects to issue an incentive payment for the EP in April 2012 for 75% of the EP's Part B charges from 2011.
Note for Medicaid Participants: Medicaid incentives will be paid by the States, but the timing will vary according to State. Please contact your State Medicaid Agency for more details about payment.
Important Medicare EHR Incentive Program Dates
On December 31, 2011, the reporting year ended for EPs who participated in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in 2011. What does this mean? For participating EPs, they must have completed their 90-day reporting period by the end of 2011.
However, EPs have until February 29, 2012, to actually register and attest to meeting meaningful use to receive an incentive payment for CY 2011 through the Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Registration and Attestation System.
Payment Threshold Information
February 29, 2012, is also the deadline for EPs to submit any pending Medicare Part B claims from CY 2011, as CMS allows 60 days after December 31, 2011, for all pending claims to be processed. This means that EPs have 60 days in 2012 to submit claims for allowed charges incurred in 2011.
Medicare EHR incentive payments to EPs are based on 75% of the Part B allowed charges for covered professional services furnished by the EP during the entire payment year.
If the EP did not meet the $24,000 threshold in Part B allowed charges by the end of calendar year 2011, CMS expects to issue an incentive payment for the EP in April 2012 for 75% of the EP's Part B charges from 2011.
Note for Medicaid Participants: Medicaid incentives will be paid by the States, but the timing will vary according to State. Please contact your State Medicaid Agency for more details about payment.
HRSA Health IT & Quality Webinar: Tips for Engaging Safety Net Patients Using Health IT
Friday, January 20, 2011, 12pm MST
This webinar provides tips on how safety net providers and staff can use health information technology (IT) to increase patient engagement. Health IT systems provide powerful tools that enable safety net providers to view a range of health information about their patients. This includes generating graphs and charts through an electronic medical record or patient portal that displays critical information such as a patient’s weight, blood sugar levels, or other health factors over a period of time; as well as the ability to message with patients about their health needs. Safety net providers can use this resource for engaging patients in their healthcare environments and communicating to them how they can achieve better health outcomes. Webinar speakers will speak from the perspective of rural inpatient and health center primary care settings. In addition, speakers will provide tips on how health literacy can foster better patient communication, the use of patient portals and kiosks as a tool for patient engagement, and how doctors can best work and engage with patients who now have access to their health information.
Presenters include:
· Kevin Larsen, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Informatics Officer
Hennepin County Medical Center
· Deborah Stoud, RN, POC/EMR Clinical Support Specialist
Mayo Regional Hospital
· Staff from East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Questions for presenters are welcome ahead of the event and may be emailed to healthit@hrsa.gov.
To register: http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=50899904
This webinar provides tips on how safety net providers and staff can use health information technology (IT) to increase patient engagement. Health IT systems provide powerful tools that enable safety net providers to view a range of health information about their patients. This includes generating graphs and charts through an electronic medical record or patient portal that displays critical information such as a patient’s weight, blood sugar levels, or other health factors over a period of time; as well as the ability to message with patients about their health needs. Safety net providers can use this resource for engaging patients in their healthcare environments and communicating to them how they can achieve better health outcomes. Webinar speakers will speak from the perspective of rural inpatient and health center primary care settings. In addition, speakers will provide tips on how health literacy can foster better patient communication, the use of patient portals and kiosks as a tool for patient engagement, and how doctors can best work and engage with patients who now have access to their health information.
Presenters include:
· Kevin Larsen, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Informatics Officer
Hennepin County Medical Center
· Deborah Stoud, RN, POC/EMR Clinical Support Specialist
Mayo Regional Hospital
· Staff from East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Questions for presenters are welcome ahead of the event and may be emailed to healthit@hrsa.gov.
To register: http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=50899904
CRHC Congratulates Rocky Mountain Family Practice in Leadville for Reaching Meaningful Use!
CRHC wishes to congratulate Rocky Mountain Family Practice in Leadville on successfully attesting to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program!!
Dr. Lisa Zwerdlinger and her staff at Rocky Mountain Family Practice have been working diligently over the past year to reach Meaningful Use and CRHC as their CO-REC partner is very excited for them.
Congratulations!!
Dr. Lisa Zwerdlinger and her staff at Rocky Mountain Family Practice have been working diligently over the past year to reach Meaningful Use and CRHC as their CO-REC partner is very excited for them.
Congratulations!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
CRHC Congratulates Rio Grande Hospital for Reaching Meaningful Use!
CRHC wishes to congratulate Rio Grande Hospital and it's clinics in Creede, Monte Vista, Del Norte and South Fork on successfully attesting to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program!!
Rio Grande Hospital and it's clinics have been working diligently over the past year to reach Meaningful Use and CRHC as their CO-REC partner is very excited for them.
Congratulations!!
Rio Grande Hospital and it's clinics have been working diligently over the past year to reach Meaningful Use and CRHC as their CO-REC partner is very excited for them.
Congratulations!!
Need help writing your application for the 2012 Colorado Rural Healthcare Grant Program?
Sign-up for a free grant writing workshop. Registration is required.
Click here to register.
Workshops will be offered for the following dates and locations:
Thursday, January 12, 2012
8:30am - 1:30pm
Montrose Memorial Hospital
800 S. Third St.Montrose, CO 81401
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm
Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center
1100 Carson Ave.La Junta, CO 81050
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm
Colorado Rural Health Center
3033 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 606Aurora, CO 80014
Important Application Dates
Intent to Apply Form Due: January 13, 2012
Applications Due: Noon Febraury 15, 2012
Notification of Grant Awards: June 2012
More Information
Read more about this funding opportunity
Fill out an Intent to Apply form
Download the grant guidanceDownload the application
Click here to register.
Workshops will be offered for the following dates and locations:
Thursday, January 12, 2012
8:30am - 1:30pm
Montrose Memorial Hospital
800 S. Third St.Montrose, CO 81401
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm
Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center
1100 Carson Ave.La Junta, CO 81050
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm
Colorado Rural Health Center
3033 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 606Aurora, CO 80014
Important Application Dates
Intent to Apply Form Due: January 13, 2012
Applications Due: Noon Febraury 15, 2012
Notification of Grant Awards: June 2012
More Information
Read more about this funding opportunity
Fill out an Intent to Apply form
Download the grant guidanceDownload the application
CRHC Congratulates Ouray Family Medicine for Reaching Meaningful Use!
Just before the end of 2011, Ouray Family Medicine located in beautiful small town of Ouray, CO successfully attested to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program!
In 2009, Ouray Family Medicine decided to adopt Amazing Charts shortly after they opened for business. When they first heard about the EHR Incentive Program in early 2011, they started to research the requirements and work with CRHC as it CO-REC partner.
Throughout the year, David Olson, MD and Shirley Olson, FNP, worked diligently toward Meaningful Use and at the end of the year, they were able to successfully attest and should receive their payment during the first quarter of 2012.
Congratulations Ouray Family Medicine!!!
In 2009, Ouray Family Medicine decided to adopt Amazing Charts shortly after they opened for business. When they first heard about the EHR Incentive Program in early 2011, they started to research the requirements and work with CRHC as it CO-REC partner.
Throughout the year, David Olson, MD and Shirley Olson, FNP, worked diligently toward Meaningful Use and at the end of the year, they were able to successfully attest and should receive their payment during the first quarter of 2012.
Congratulations Ouray Family Medicine!!!
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