MGMA Washington Connexion 2011 Archive

MGMA Washington Connexion alerts MGMA members to regulatory and health legislation issues affecting medical group practices. This e-newsletter is sent as news breaks from Washington, D.C. Subscribe  

2011 Issues

December 28, 2011 – MGMA submits comments on reducing government regulations

• MGMA submits comments on reducing government regulations
• Medicare EHR Incentive program manual available
• CMS will not provide 2012 eRx payment adjustment feedback reports
• SGR status

December 22, 2011 – Breaking news

• Breaking news: SGR update

December 21, 2011 – Fate of SGR cut uncertain - congressional standoff continues

• Fate of SGR cut uncertain - congressional standoff continues
• MGMA calls for six-month Version 5010 contingency plan
• Reminder: providers must use new Medicare ABN forms by Jan. 1  

December 19, 2011 – Special Edition: SGR update

• Special Edition: SGR update
• CMS releases information on holding 2012 claims

December 14, 2011 – Two-year SGR patch passes House - outcome uncertain

• Two-year SGR patch passes House - outcome uncertain
• CMS augments its Version 5010 contingency plan two weeks before deadline
• OIG issues series of compliance training videos and podcasts

December 12, 2011 – Special edition

• Special Edition: SGR update

December 7, 2011 – Congress continues debate on SGR

• Congress continues debate on SGR  
• MGMA analyzes final 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule for members
• CMS outlines most common Version 5010 problems
• Medicare offers new obesity screening and counseling  

November 30, 2011 – HHS delays Stage 2 of Meaningful Use until 2014

• HHS delays Stage 2 of Meaningful Use until 2014
• 5010 claims deadline stil Jan. 1 despite enforcement delay
• MGMA analyzes final ACO rule for members
• SGR cuts loom, MGMA advocacy critical

November 23, 2011 – CMS delays HIPAA Version 5010 enforcement for 90 days

• CMS delays HIPAA Version 5010 enforcement for 90 days
• Deficit committee fails, threat of 27.4 percent payment cut remains
• CMS releases ACO application process
• President signs 3 percent withholding repeal
• MGMA testifies before federal panel on claims attachments

November 16, 2011 – MGMA urges Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to repeal the SGR

• MGMA urges Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to repeal the SGR
• Bill introduced to prevent imaging cuts
• PO box billing provider addresses no longer permitted in 5010 transactions
• HHS launches pilot programs to reduce improper payments

November 9, 2011 – Are claims attachments causing problems in your practice? Tell MGMA

• Are claims attachments causing problems in your practice? Tell MGMA
• CMS posts list of providers who were sent revalidation requests
• MGMA hosts educational session on the final ACO rule  
• ADI accrediting bodies must transmit enrollment information
• HHS announces HIPAA audits

November 2, 2011 – Special Alert: CMS extends e-prescribing hardship exemption deadline to Nov. 8

• CMS extends e-prescribing hardship exemption deadline to Nov. 8

November 2, 2011 – CMS finalizes 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule

• CMS finalizes 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule
• MGMA to testify before federal body; seeks member input!  
• CMS extends Medicare enrollment revalidation timeframe to 2015
• CMS makes changes to PCIP bonus reports

October 26, 2011 – Medicare Shared Savings Program “ACO” rule finalized

• Medicare Shared Savings Program “ACO” rule finalized
• E-prescribing hardship exemption submission deadline Nov. 1
• Physician groups consider drastic Medicare access changes as SGR cuts loom
• Tell Congress to repeal SGR, Contact your representatives now!

October 19, 2011 – Join MGMA government affairs staff at Annual Conference

• Join MGMA government affairs staff at Annual Conference
• MGMA sustains advocacy efforts with the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction
• MGMA members urged to complete brief HIPAA 5010 study
• E-prescribing hardship exemption submission deadline Nov. 1
• CMS to host call on Medicare enrollment revalidation initiative

October 12, 2011 – MGMA concern: Vendors, plans not ready for 5010

• MGMA concern: vendors, plans not ready for 5010
• Providers must use new Medicare enrollment forms by Nov. 1
• MGMA supports repeal of the 3 percent withholding tax

October 5, 2011 – MGMA opposes MedPAC’s SGR proposal

• MGMA opposes MedPAC’s SGR proposal
• HIPAA Version 5010 transaction standards are coming
• CMS corrects e-prescribing hardship exemptions Web site
• CMS sends RAC program report to Congress

September 28, 2011 – Three things you can do to help avert the 29.5 percent Medicare payment cut

• Three things you can do to help avert the 29.5 percent Medicare payment cut
• CMS warns practice staff: Physicians must submit their own e-prescribing hardship exemption requests

September 21, 2011 – CMS finalizes Medicaid RAC rule

• CMS finalizes Medicaid RAC rule
• Major Medicare payment cut looms; how will it impact your practice?
• HHS proposes to give patients direct access to lab results

September 14, 2011 – How would a 29.5 percent Medicare cut impact your practice? Tell MGMA

• How would a 29.5 percent Medicare cut impact your practice? Tell MGMA
• CMS launches Website to apply for 2012 e-prescribing hardship exemptions
• Joint Deficit Reduction Committee holds first hearing; Must repeal SGR
• 2010 Physician Quality Reporting System payments released

September 7, 2011 – MGMA supports standardized operating rules for insurance eligibility and claim status transactions

• MGMA supports standardized operating rules for insurance eligibility and claim status transactions
• E-prescribing feedback reports for 2010 are now available
• Joint Committee announces first public hearing, contact lawmakers now to repeal SGR!
• MGMA supports CMS rule repealing signature requirement for clinical diagnostic lab requisitions

August 31, 2011 – MGMA comments on proposed 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule

• MGMA comments on proposed 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule
• CMS releases final 2012 e-prescribing penalty exemptions

August 24, 2011 – New committee has opportunity to repeal SGR, Contact your representatives now!

• New committee has opportunity to repeal SGR, Contact your representatives now!
• CMS to host call on HIPAA Version 5010
• HHS releases information on voluntary bundled payment initiative

August 17, 2011 – Share your HIPAA security perspectives in a HIMSS-MGMA Survey

• Share your HIPAA security perspectives in a HIMSS-MGMA Survey
• MGMA needs your opinion on payer performance
• Reminder: National HIPAA Version 5010 Testing Week Aug. 22-26

August 8, 2011 – CMS release article on Medicare 2013 enrollment revalidation initiative

• CMS release article on Medicare 2013 enrollment revalidation initiative
• Providers must use new Medicare ABN forms by Nov. 1
• RAC demand letters to come from MACs

August 3, 2011 – MGMA requests your input on payer performance

• MGMA requests your input on payer performance
• CMS to host national 5010 testing week

July 27, 2011 – MGMA releases analysis of the proposed 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule for members

• MGMA releases analysis of the proposed 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule for members
• Accounting of disclosures proposal unworkable; should be withdrawn, MGMA study
• MGMA calls on CMS to revise its 2012 e-prescribing penalty process

July 20, 2011 – MGMA urges Congress to fix SGR in deficit reduction package

• MGMA urges Congress to fix SGR in deficit reduction package
• HHS releases regulation madating HIPAA operating rules
• CMS host national provider call on PQRS and e-prescribing incentive programs 
• AHRQ produces toolkit to help medical practices with health IT and workflow

July 13, 2011 – Opposition to IPAB grows on Capitol Hill

• Opposition to IPAB grows on Capitol Hill
• Health system settles HIPAA claim for 800K
• HHS proposed rule of health reform insurance Echanges
• CMS to host call on ICD 10

July 6, 2011 – MGMA needs your input on critical privacy regulations

• MGMA needs your input on critical privacy regulations
• MGMA, 36 physician organizations oppose imaging recommendations
• MGMA, others urge CMS for stronger Medicaid requirments
• CMS releases 2012 proposed physician fee schedule ID

July 5, 2011 – CMS release 2012 proposed physician fee schedule

• CMS releases 2012 proposed physician fee schedule 

June 29, 2011 – MGMA calls for SGR repeal in deficit reduction plan

• MGMA calls for SGR repeal in deficit reduction plan
• CMS retracts lab requisition signature requirement
• New compliance resources on mgma.com

June 22, 2011 – MGMA testifies on HIPAA version 5010 issues

• MGMA testifies on HIPAA version 5010 issues
• CMS announces implementation of new fraud- fighting technology
• Only one week left to avoid the e-prescribing penalties

June 15, 2011 – Avoiding 2012 Medicare e-prescribing penalties

• Avoiding 2012 Medicare e-prescribing penalties
• MGMA research: Transition to HIPAA Version 5010 challenges practices
• CMS announces call as imaging accreditation deadline approaches

June 8, 2011 – CMS proposes rule on use of Medicare claims data to assess physician performance

• CMS proposes rule on use of Medicare claims data to assess physician performance
• Imaging accreditation deadline looms; CMS releases new FAQs
• OIG posts free compliance training webcast
• CMS to host call on proposed changes to the E-Prescribing Incentive Program

June 2, 2011 – MGMA comments on ACO rules on behalf of medical groups

• MGMA comments on ACO rules on behalf of medical groups
• Proposed regulation released on HIPAA privacy accounting for disclosures

May 25, 2011 – CMS designates June 15 as National HIPAA Version 5010 Testing Day

• CMS designates June 15 as National HIPAA Version 5010 Testing Day
• Assist MGMA by completing the HIPAA Version 5010 questionnaire  
• CMS announces Advance Payment initiative, ACO Pioneer program

May 18, 2011 – MGMA's Jessee participates in ACO briefing

• MGMA's Jessee participates in ACO briefing
• CMS national provider teleconference: Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO proposed rule
• House committee passes medical liability reform bill; legislation to move to House floor
• Less than 45 days left to avoid e-prescribing penalties

May 11, 2011 – CMS permits practice administrators to register and attest for meaningful use

• CMS permits practice administrators to register and attest for meaningful use
• CMS announces HIPAA Version 5010 National Testing Day
• 2011 PQRS and e-prescribing Incentive Program National Provider Call: May 17

May 4, 2011 – Less than 60 days until e-prescribing penalties

• Less than 60 days until e-prescribing penalties
• New practice management system vendor directory now available to members

May 2, 2011 – CMS: RACs recovered $162 million in overpayments in 2011

• CMS: RACs recovered $162 million in overpayments in 2011
• CMS to host call on attestation for the Medicare EHR incentive program

Apr. 20, 2011 – MGMA provides analysis and implications of proposed ACO rule to members

• MGMA provides analysis and implications of proposed ACO rule to members
• Medicare EHR incentive program attestation begins
• House approves FY 2012 budget outline

Apr. 13, 2011 – Congress prepares to approve FY 2011 budget

• Congress prepares to approve FY 2011 budget
• IRS delays new reporting requirement for small businesses indefinitely
• CMS issues guidance on calculating Medicaid EHR incentives

Mar. 31, 2011 – Proposed rule implementing ACOs released

• Proposed rule implementing ACOs released

Mar. 30, 2011 – Medicare EHR meaningful use attestation to begin April 18

• Medicare EHR meaningful use attestation to begin April 18
• Challenges ahead for HIPAA Version 5010 transition

Mar. 23, 2011 – CMS releases new EHR incentive FAQs

• CMS releases new EHR incentive FAQs
• New fee for durable medical equipment, home health enrollment

Mar. 16, 2011 – MGMA urges CMS to modify e-prescribing penalty process

• MGMA urges CMS to modify e-prescribing penalty process
• Red Flags Rule update: court rules on definition of "creditor"
• House approves extending FY2011 funding until April 8
• Medicare physician payments cut 29.5 percent in 2012; MedPAC recommends a 1 percent update

Mar. 14, 2011 – MGMA comments on draft Meaningful Use Stage II requirements

• MGMA comments on draft Meaningful Use Stage II requirements
• CMS publishes guides to help practices assess their HIPAA 5010 readiness

Mar. 2, 2011 – CMS Highlights E-prescribing Penalties in MLN Matters

• CMS Highlights E-prescribing Penalties in MLN Matters
• Mass General to pay $1 million to settle potential HIPAA privacy violations
• MGMA seeks member input on the looming transition to HIPAA Version 5010 transaction standards
• MGMA partners with HIMSS on HIPAA privacy and security toolkit

Feb. 23, 2011 – HIPAA Version 5010 transaction standards are coming. How prepared is your practice?

• HIPAA Version 5010 transaction standards are coming. How prepared is your practice?
• House committee approves medical liability bill
• HHS imposes $4.3 million fine for HIPAA violations
• CMS delays implementation of the Medicaid RAC program

Feb. 8, 2011 – CMS announces process to address inaccurate payments for some 2010 claims

• CMS announces process to address inaccurate payments for
  some 2010 claims
• CMS to modify meaningful use group practice registration process  
• Legislation introduced to repeal IPAB
• FTC releases guidance on medical identity theft

Jan. 26, 2011 – Bipartisan medical liability reform bill introduced in House

• Bipartisan medical liability reform bill introduced in House
• Practices with EHRs improve financial performance; are poised to maximize federal incentives
• Healthcare reform expands RAC program

Jan. 19, 2011 – CMS launches physician compare website

• CMS launches physician compare website
• House to vote to repeal Healthcare Reform legislation
• Registration for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs now open

Jan. 12, 2011 – Top 10 things for practice executives to watch in 2011

• Top 10 things for practice executives to watch in 2011

Jan. 5, 2011 – CMS releases revised 2011 RVU files and announces 2011 conversion factor

• CMS releases revised 2011 RVU files and announces 2011 conversion factor
• Registration for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs now open
• CMS delays requirement for signatures on requisition forms for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests
• ONC releases final rule on permanent certification of EHRs; Surescripts named as the sixth certifying organization

Legislation, Regulation and Advocacy home
2010 MGMA Washington Connexion archive  
All MGMA publications