CMS NEWS AND UPDATES
CMS Updates FAQs on Meaningful Use and Attestation
March 1, 2012
CMS has recently added five new FAQs on meaningful use and attestation to its EHR Incentive Program website. The new FAQs include information on transfer of data, summaries of care, lab test results, and making changes to attestation information.
To access the FAQs, click here.
The Proposed Rule for Stage 2 Meaningful Use Posted to Federal Register
February 23, 2012
The proposed rule for Stage 2 Meaningful Use has been posted to the Office of the Federal Register. The proposed rule outlines the next stage of Meaningful Use requirements for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, which are administered by CMS. Read about the proposed rule here, and get information on how to comment. The deadline for comments is April 13, 2012. CMS has developed a fact sheet to give providers an overview of the rule and how Stage 2 expands upon Stage 1 of Meaningful Use. Read the fact sheet here.
CMS Adds Webpage on Clinical Quality Measures
February 14, 2012
CMS has added a new page to the EHR website that explains the clinical quality measures, their role in the EHR Incentive Programs, and information on reporting requirements and definitions. Click here to access this page: https://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/29_ClinicalQualityMeasures.asp#TopOfPage
CMS Updates EHR Information Center with New Self-Service Options
February 6, 2012
CMS has enhanced its Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system in its EHR Information Center to provide users with more options and services for accessing and reviewing data. Providers now can obtain information through a reinforced privacy protection module that requires the provider's National Provider Identifier, the last five digits of their Tax Identification Number and their EHR registration ID. Once accepted, this tool allows providers to obtain registration status, acquire attestation status, review payment information and check progress toward meeting the $24,000 threshold amount. To access the tool, call (888) 734-6433, press '3' for self service and enter your information. This tool will be available starting Feb. 16.
CMS Offers EHR Incentive Program Listserv
February 2, 2012
Stay informed via CMS' New EHR Incentive Program Listserv! This free listserv provides timely information on program requirements and changes in the EHR Incentive Programs. By subscribing to this listserv, you will receive early notification of new program developments, the availability of new resources, and the addition of any new Frequently Asked Questions that are published on the CMS EHR Incentive Programs' website. Click here for more information and to join.
CMS Updates Appeals Process Information
January 23, 2012
CMS has added information on the appeals process for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs in the Attestation section of its EHR website.
On Dec. 1, 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. Note: The filing deadline for an eligibility appeal for an eligible hospital has been extended from Dec. 30, 2011, to Jan. 30, 2012.
OCSQ's Division of Health Information Technology released the first informal review decision for the EHR Incentive Program on Jan. 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 appeals 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