MACRA

Final rule enables ONC to better support physicians and hospitals amid the rapid pace of innovation in the health information technology market.

New rule brings flexibility, institutes two payment tracks, and makes 2017 a transition year. 

The web-based tools, with advice on how the new law will affect reimbursement, do not require AMA membership.

With trouble finding and hiring staff experienced in ICD-10, MACRA, risk contracting and value-based care, many providers and medical groups are outsourcing those from Cerner and competitors including Allscripts, Kareo, NextGen and others, Black Book said. 

The Center for Medical Interoperability introduced a new maturity model and HIMSS publicly commented that focusing on technical interoperability is not enough in the industry-wide move toward value-based care and alternative payment models. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Acting Administrator outlines four new options that physician groups will have to comply with the law, avoid negative payment adjustments and, in certain cases, even qualify for a modest incentive payment.  

Kristen Held, MD, cautioned that physicians cannot ethically comply with the rule as it stands today and predicted that many will opt out of Medicare because of it. 

In their professional journals, at conferences, on social media and healthcare blogs, and in comments to federal regulators, the nation's doctors are expressing growing anger and frustration about the changes MACRA will bring.

The regulation as it stands today is confusing. Don’t panic. Crush it instead. Experts share tips on how to make that happen. 

Nearly 8 in 10 physicians in a new survey said they prefer fee-for-service over risk-bearing, value-based care under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015.