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| Issue 7 • January/February 2008 |
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| PQRI 2008: How It Can Benefit Your Practice and Where to Find Informative Resources |
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The PQRI program was created as part of the Tax Relief and Healthcare Act of 2006. The program rewards providers with financial incentives for delivering high quality care.
PQRI is measured by “evidence-based standards and procedures,” that were developed by professionals and endorsed by national consensus groups, such as the National Quality Forum (NQF) and AQA (formerly the Ambulatory Care Quality Alliance). On December 31, 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final 2008 PQRI Measures.
Why should you participate in PQRI 2008? First, PQRI is a great way to prepare for future pay-for-performance programs. Not only will you have the opportunity to improve the care of your patients, the 1.5% bonus incentive is additional revenue for your practice. |
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| PQRI 2008 Quick Facts: |
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PQRI is a voluntary program; no registration is required. |
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Start reporting early to ensure the claims count toward successful reporting. |
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Reporting period is January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. |
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Claims must be submitted on the CMS-1500 paper form or the electronic 837-P form. |
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According to the American Optometric Association, the following measures are applicable to optometry: 12, 14, 18, 19, 114, 115, 117, 124, 125, 128 and 129. |
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According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the following measures are applicable to ophthalmology: 12, 14, 18, 19, 117, 124 and 125. |
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Eligible eye care providers who participate in PQRI may earn a bonus payment, subject to a cap, of a maximum of 1.5% of total allowed charges for covered Medicare physician fee schedule services. |
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You must report on at least three measures 80% of the time, when four or more measures are available. |
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Bonuses will be paid out as a one-time lump sum in mid-2009 for those providers who successfully report quality measures on claims during the reporting period. |
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CMS uses the taxpayer identification number (TIN) as the billing unit. All incentive payments earned will be paid to the holder of the TIN. |
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| Quick Links to Informative Resources |
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| Important: For specialty- or practice-specific questions, please contact your professional organization or specialty association for guidance. |
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CMS PQRI Website – click on the “2008 PQRI Information” tab on the left column of the CMS website for detailed information and FAQs. |
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| The EMR Race is On! |
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SECO 2008 Unveils Informative CE Course to Guide You with Implementing an EMR System
EMR Decathlon – One Dream, One Dream Track |
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Friday, February 29, 2008
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Joint OD and AOP Program; sponsored by First Insight. |
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Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Georgia |
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| Register at www.seco2008.com |
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Featuring: Christopher Quinn, OD; Kelly Kerksick, OD; Daryl Mann, OD; and Robert Vandervort, OD |
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Course Description: Implementing an electronic medical record (EMR) system in your practice is like a cross country race. Hills, valleys and obstacles will slow you down. This course will look at factors that slowed down other practices, and what should be considered in order to have your practice running smoothly with EMR. The course will include pros and cons of individual systems to help you select the right system. The goal of this course is to make the “race” as easy as possible for you and your staff. |
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| The above information was current at the time of the posting of this e-newsletter (January 7, 2008); First Insight has made every effort to provide you with the most recent information. However, because CMS laws, regulations, and rulings change frequently, refer to the Medicare Program provisions on the CMS website as the official source of PQRI information, or contact your professional organization for guidance. |
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