July 31, 2008
HHS NEWS
- Availability of July 2008 Quarterly Provider Specific Files
- OPPS Pricer Web Page Update
- New Q & A Posted on Reporting of “Charges” On a Hospice Claim
- Electronic Prescribing
- Transcript Posted for July 15th Special ODF on PQRI
July 2008 Quarterly Provider Specific Files
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has processed the July 2008 quarterly Provider Specific Files (PSF). Both text and (new this quarter) Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) data are available on the CMS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ProspMedicareFeeSvcPmtGen/03_psf.asp, under the heading “Provider Specific Data for Public Use.” If you use the Provider Specific File data, please go to the page above and download the latest versions of the PSF Files.
Please Note: New this quarter -- SAS data sets are now available for Provider Specific File Data, in addition to the text files.
TopOPPS Pricer Web Page Update
The OPPS Pricer web page has recently been updated to include the July 2008 Provider Specific File. You may go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/08_OPPS.asp to view the latest update.
New Q & A Posted on Reporting of “Charges” On a Hospice Claim
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted a new Question & Answer providing guidance on CR 5567 as it relates to the reporting of "charges" on the hospice claim. Go to the Hospice Center web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/hospice.asp on the CMS website.
HHS Takes New Steps to Accelerate Adoption of Electronic Prescribing Medicare Payments for Successful Electronic Prescribers, Reporting Quality Data are Important Steps Toward a Value-Driven Health Care System
Medicare is starting a new program to encourage physicians to adopt e-prescribing systems. Incentive payments will be available beginning in 2009 for physicians who meet the requirements of the program. The initiative is part of the Administration’s broader efforts to accelerate the adoption of health IT and the establishment of a health care system based on value.
Beginning in 2009, and during the next four years, Medicare will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals who are successful electronic prescribers. Eligible professionals will receive a 2 percent incentive payment in 2009 and 2010; a 1 percent incentive payment in 2011 and 2012; and a one half percent incentive payment in 2013.
Beginning in 2012, eligible professionals who are not successful electronic prescribers will receive a reduction in payment. Eligible professionals may be exempted from the reduction in payment, on a case-by-case basis, if it is determined that compliance with requirement for being a successful prescriber would result in significant hardship.
To read more, see the attached HHS
Fact Sheet
.
Transcript Posted for July 15th Special ODF: Physicians Quality Reporting Initiative- Participation by the American College of Physicians
The transcript for the July 15th Special ODF: PQRI – Participation by the American College of Physicians has been posted on the Special ODF website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/05_ODF_SpecialODF.asp#TopOfPage, under the Downloads section. During the call, as transcribed on page 30, Dr. Hornback inadvertently stated 15% instead of 1.5% in his presentation regarding incentive payment. Please make note of the correct percentage rate 1.5% when reading the transcript. Thank you.
