Advocacy in Action
How ACP Advocacy Efforts Helped Physicians and Patients in 2019
ACP was instrumental in effecting change to payments from Medicare, reducing documentation burdens, and creating joint call-to-action on firearms-related injuries and deaths
ACP Speaks Out in Opposition to Interference in Patient-Physician Relationship in Proposed Ohio Legislation
Recently proposed bill includes requirement that physicians re-implant ectopic pregnancies
Quick Hits
MIPS eligibility status for 2019 performance year now available
You can now check the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Participation Status Tool to view your final 2019 eligibility status for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). For more information, visit the MIPS Participation Status Lookup Tool on the Quality Payment Program website.
New Medicare Card Transition ends in two weeks: CMS says use MBIs now for January 1 payment
According to CMS, the 21 month Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) transition period ends in two weeks. Practices must update patients' records with the new Medicare card information and use MBIs now, because starting January 1, clinicians must use MBIs to bill Medicare regardless of the date of service. CMS will reject claims submitted with Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICNs) with a few exceptions, and will also reject all eligibility transactions submitted with HICNs.
Jan. 22 Primary Care First Application Deadline Approaching
Primary Care First (PCF) applications are due January 22, 2020 for a 2021 start date. This new risk-bearing Alternative Payment Model offers enhanced payments to support the delivery of advanced primary care services. Current CPC+ participants are ineligible to apply for this round but will be eligible to apply at a later date for a 2022 start. For further information, access ACP's fact sheet and upcoming webinar and visit CMS’ PCF webpage.
Application Window for Kidney Care Choices Model Now Open Through Jan. 22
The deadline to apply to the Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model is January 22, 2020. This model will feature four distinct payment options and is designed to improve care for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease and ESRD, delay the need for dialysis, and encourage kidney transplants. Payments will start in 2021. Find more information at the KCC Model website.
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