Additional Guidance: How the Proposed New Timeline for the EHR Incentive Programs Affects You

Additional Guidance: How the Proposed New Timeline for the EHR Incentive Programs Affects You 

   December 19, 2013       Anonymous

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Last week, CMS and ONC announced the intent to change the Stage 3 timeline and extend Stage 2 of meaningful use through 2016.

Important to note about the proposed timeline

It does not delay the start of Stage 2 of meaningful use.

It does not affect the current reporting periods and deadlines for 2014 participation.

What this Means for You

If you begin participation with your first year of Stage 1 for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in 2014:

• You must begin your 90 days of Stage 1 of meaningful use no later than July 1, 2014 and submit attestation by October 1, 2014 in order to avoid the 2015 payment adjustment.

If you have completed 1 year of Stage 1 of meaningful use:

• You will demonstrate a second year of Stage 1 of meaningful use in 2014 for a three-month reporting period fixed to the quarter for Medicare or any 90 days for Medicaid.
• You will demonstrate Stage 2 of meaningful use for two years (2015 and 2016).
• You will begin Stage 3 of meaningful use in 2017.

If you have completed two or more years of Stage 1 of meaningful use:

• You will still demonstrate Stage 2 of meaningful use in 2014 for a three-month reporting period fixed to the quarter for Medicare or any 90 days for Medicaid.
• You will demonstrate Stage 2 of meaningful use for three years (2014, 2015 and 2016).
• You will begin Stage 3 of meaningful use in 2017.

Please be sure to look for additional guidance in the Federal Register for rulemaking on this proposal.

For More Information
Make sure to visit the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

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Additional Guidance: How the Proposed New Timeline for the EHR Incentive Programs Affects You

Additional Guidance: How the Proposed New Timeline for the EHR Incentive Programs Affects You

   December 19, 2013       Anonymous

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Last week, CMS and ONC announced the intent to change the Stage 3 timeline and extend Stage 2 of meaningful use through 2016.

Important to note about the proposed timeline

It does not delay the start of Stage 2 of meaningful use.

It does not affect the current reporting periods and deadlines for 2014 participation.

What this Means for You

If you begin participation with your first year of Stage 1 for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in 2014:

• You must begin your 90 days of Stage 1 of meaningful use no later than July 1, 2014 and submit attestation by October 1, 2014 in order to avoid the 2015 payment adjustment.

If you have completed 1 year of Stage 1 of meaningful use:

• You will demonstrate a second year of Stage 1 of meaningful use in 2014 for a three-month reporting period fixed to the quarter for Medicare or any 90 days for Medicaid.
• You will demonstrate Stage 2 of meaningful use for two years (2015 and 2016).
• You will begin Stage 3 of meaningful use in 2017.

If you have completed two or more years of Stage 1 of meaningful use:

• You will still demonstrate Stage 2 of meaningful use in 2014 for a three-month reporting period fixed to the quarter for Medicare or any 90 days for Medicaid.
• You will demonstrate Stage 2 of meaningful use for three years (2014, 2015 and 2016).
• You will begin Stage 3 of meaningful use in 2017.

Please be sure to look for additional guidance in the Federal Register for rulemaking on this proposal.

For More Information

Make sure to visit the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

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Interviews Reveal Policy Findings from Early Medicaid Expansions

Interviews Reveal Policy Findings from Early Medicaid Expansions

   November 22, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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In a new study entitled “Lessons from Early Medicaid Expansions Under Health Reform: Interviews with Medicaid Officials,” published in Volume 3, Issue 4, of Medicare & Medicaid Research Review, researchers present interviews with Medicaid officials in six states—California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Washington—that extended Medicaid in 2010–2011 to low-income adults targeted for coverage under health reform. The interviews reveal important policy findings. First, these changes in Medicaid built upon pre-existing state-funded health insurance programs for the poor;  second, cost and enrollment predictions were challenging, indicating the uncertainty in such projections for 2014; other lessons included a substantial need for behavioral health services in this population, and the administrative challenges of expanding coverage; and finally, the researchers learned how political context—support or opposition from stakeholders and the general public—plays a critical role in shaping the success of Medicaid expansions.

.

Read the full article:

http://www.cms.gov/mmrr/Articles/A2013/MMRR2013_003_04_a02.html

Citation:

Sommers, B. D., Arntson, E., Kenney, G. M., & Epstein, A. M. (2013). Lessons from Early Medicaid Expansions Under Health Reform: Interviews with Medicaid Officials. Medicare & Medicaid Research Review, 3(4), E1–E23.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5600/mmrr.003.04.a02

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Hospitals Must Attest by November 30

Hospitals Must Attest by November 30

   November 01, 2013       Anonymous

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News Updates | November 1, 2013
	Hospitals Must Attest by November 30 to Receive Payment for 2013 EHR Incentive Program Participation The last day that eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) can register and submit attestation in fiscal year (FY) 2013 for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program is November 30, 2013. Eligible hospitals and CAHs must successfully attest to demonstrating meaningful use by November 30 to receive a 2013 incentive payment. Hospitals must attest to demonstrating meaningful use every year to receive an incentive and avoid a payment adjustment. Medicaid Eligible Hospitals Hospitals participating in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program need to refer to their state deadlines for attestation. Payment Adjustments Payment adjustments will be applied beginning FY 2015 (October 1, 2014) to Medicare eligible hospitals that have not successfully demonstrated meaningful use. The adjustment is determined by the hospital’s reporting period in a prior year. Read the eligible hospital payment adjustment tipsheet to learn more. Resources Meaningful Use Attestation Calculator Attestation Worksheet for Eligible Hospitals and CAHs Attestation Guide for Eligible Hospitals Payment Adjustment Tipsheet for Eligible Hospitals Plan Ahead Review all of the important dates for the EHR Incentive Programs on the HIT Timeline.
	Visit the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website
	Subscriber Services: Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe
	This service is provided to you by the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

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Special Open Door Forum - Streamlined Access to PECOS, EHR, and NPPES Register Now

Special Open Door Forum - Streamlined Access to PECOS, EHR, and NPPES Register Now

   November 01, 2013       Anonymous

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Upcoming Special Open Door Forum Scheduled: Conference Call- Streamlined Access to PECOS, EHR, and NPPES, Friday November 15, 2013, 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 pm ET. Target Audience: All Medicare Fee-For-Service providers, as well as Professionals and Hospitals eligible for the Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program. To register click on the MLN Connects upcoming Calls link in the full announcement. Space may be limited, so register early. Please see the Downloads section for the full call announcement. Thank You. You're getting this message because you subscribed to get email updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

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Access Your 2012 PQRS Feedback Report Today

Access Your 2012 PQRS Feedback Report Today

   October 31, 2013       Anonymous

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Feedback reports are now available for providers who submitted Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) data from Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule claims received with dates of service between January 1 and December 31, 2012.

Access instructions for individual eligible professionals (EPs) and groups who participated in 2012 PQRS Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO) are listed below.  For more information on locating and interpreting data provided in the feedback report, review the 2012 PQRS Feedback Report User Guide.

Eligible Professionals
Individual EPs who submitted 2012 PQRS data can retrieve their 2012 PQRS Feedback Reports using the following options:

• National Provider Identifier (NPI)-level reports can be requested through the Communication Support Page by creating a NPI-level feedback report request.  The report will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the request within 2-4 weeks.

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)-level reports, which contain NPI-level detail, are available for download on the Physician and Other Health Care Professionals Quality Reporting Portal (Portal) available via QualityNet.  TIN-level reports on the Portal require an Individuals Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services (IACS) account.  The IACS Quick Reference Guides are available on the Portal and provide step-by-step instructions on how to request an IACS account in order to access the Portal, if you do not already have one.

Group Practice Reporting Option
Groups who participated in 2012 PQRS GPRO can access PQRS feedback through the 2012 Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs).  Authorized representatives of practices with 25 or more EPs can access the QRURs at https://portal.cms.gov using an IACS account with one of the following group-specific PV-PQRS Registration System roles:

• Primary PV-PQRS Group Security Official
• Backup PV-PQRS Group Security Official
• PV-PQRS Group Representative

Information about QRURs and the required IACS roles is available on the CMS Physician Feedback Program website under the Quality and Resource Use Report (QRUR) Templates and Methodologies page.

PQRS Resources
For more information about participating in PQRS, visit the PQRS website. You can also learn about other eHealth initiatives at CMS by visiting the CMS eHealth website.

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Join the Next eHealth Provider Webinar on Stage 2 Health Information Exchange Requirements for Eligible Professionals

Join the Next eHealth Provider Webinar on Stage 2 Health Information Exchange Requirements for Eligible Professionals

   October 30, 2013       Anonymous

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If you are an eligible professional preparing for Stage 2, you are encouraged to join the next CMS eHealth webinar on Stage 2 health information exchange requirements, which will be held on Tuesday, November 5th from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET. The webinar is titled, “Exchange Criteria in Stage 2,” and will focus on three measures in Stage 2 that require the exchange of health information. CMS experts will be presenting on the following topics:

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Respond to CMS’ Request for Public Comment on Potential CQMs for Stage 3

Respond to CMS’ Request for Public Comment on Potential CQMs for Stage 3

   October 29, 2013       Anonymous

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CMS invites the public to provide input on new clinical quality measures (CQMs) for potential use by eligible professionals in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. 

Comments on proposed measure specifications are now being accepted, and must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, November 25, 2013, to be considered.

Participating in Public Comment

The proposed measures assess key components of many health care aspects deemed important to evaluate and measure for patients. CMS welcomes all comments, but is particularly interested in feedback on the following areas:

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Sign Up for the New CMS Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Listserv for Program Updates and Helpful Resources

   October 29, 2013       Anonymous

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Sign Up for the New CMS Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Listserv for Program Updates and Helpful Resources

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a new listserv to keep you informed about the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) program. The PQRS listserv includes helpful information like timely updates, how to submit quality measures to CMS, and details about the program’s impact on payment.

By subscribing to the listserv, you will be informed of upcoming deadlines and get answers to questions gathered from eligible professionals about PQRS. Program updates like the ones below will be circulated on the listserv to keep you informed of new developments.

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FDA Proposes to Limit Arsenic Levels in Apple Juice

FDA Proposes to Limit Arsenic Levels in Apple Juice

   July 16, 2013       Anonymous

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Due to the exceeded amount of inorganic arsenic found in apple juice comparable to the allowed level of arsenic in drinking water, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has anticipated putting a perimeter on the amount of inorganic arsenic.

The FDA has recommended a limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. This is the same level set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for arsenic in drinking water.

Inorganic arsenic may be instituted in foods as it exists in the atmosphere, both as a naturally occurring mineral and due to activities such as the use of arsenic-containing pesticides.

A known carcinogen, inorganic arsenic has also been linked with skin lesions, developmental effects, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity and diabetes.

Michael Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine said, "While the levels of arsenic in apple juice are very low, the FDA is proposing an action level to help prevent public exposure to the occasional lots of apple juice with arsenic levels above those permitted in drinking water."

The agency further said on their website that the FDA has been monitoring the presence of arsenic in apple juice for the past 20 years and has constantly found that samples cover low levels of arsenic, with few concessions.

"Now that the FDA has released its proposed guidance, we look forward to analyzing the agency's risk assessment, submitting comments, and continuing the dialogue on this important public health issue," said Urvashi Rangan, Director of Consumer Safety and Sustainability at the organization.

Due to its reasonable first step in protecting consumers from unnecessary exposure to arsenic, the proposal the proposal was highly praised by non-profit, liberated product-testing organization Consumer Reports.

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Patient Safety Update: Register Now for TeamSTEPPS® National Conference

Patient Safety Update: Register Now for TeamSTEPPS® National Conference

   April 25, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Register for TeamSTEPPS® National Conference

The 2013 TeamSTEPPS National Conference will take place from June 12 to 13 in Dallas, Texas. This free conference will highlight program models, practical solutions, knowledge, skills, tools, and connections to help participants improve teamwork and communications in their organizations using the TeamSTEPPS model.

To view the agenda, click here: https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/company_images/347/Final%20Agenda%20Flyer%20hi-res.pdf

Spots are filling quickly. Select to register:  https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com

 

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MMWR News Synopsis for April 25, 2013

MMWR News Synopsis for April 25, 2013

   April 25, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

 

MMWR News Synopsis for April 25, 2013

 

1. Fatal Injuries in Offshore Oil and Gas Operations — United States, 2003–2010

 

Catastrophic events, such as the Deepwater Horizon explosion, attract intense media attention but do not account for the majority of work-related fatalities during offshore operations.

  

2. Obliterative Bronchiolitis Among Workers in a Coffee-Processing Facility — Texas 2009–2012

 

A new report described two cases of obliterative bronchiolitis in a coffee processing facility, a rare, irreversible form of fixed obstructive lung disease that has not been previously identified in workers outside of the popcorn manufacturing industry.

  

3. Progress in Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine — Worldwide, 2000–2012

 

Globally, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in children aged <5 years. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are safe and effective for prevention of this disease, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that PCV be included in all routine immunization programs.

 

4. National Shortage of Purified-Protein Derivative Tuberculin Products

 

In light of recent shortages of skin tests for tuberculosis that have been reported nationwide, CDC has issued guidance for public health programs on how to adapt to the shortage. 

  

Notes from the Field

• Acute Pesticide-Related Illness Resulting from Occupational Exposure to Acrolein — Washington and California, 1993–2012

 

• Exposures to Discarded Sulfur Mustard Munitions — Mid-Atlantic and New England States 2004–2012

 

 

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Media Advisory: To protect worker health NIOSH recommends new exposure levels for nanomaterials

Media Advisory: To protect worker health NIOSH recommends new exposure levels for nanomaterials

   April 24, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Media Advisory

To protect worker health NIOSH recommends new exposure levels for nanomaterials

 

New Current Intelligence Bulletin issued by CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports the results of research in which various types of carbon nanotubes/carbon nanofibers can cause pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory effects, and granulomas in laboratory animals exposed to them by inhalation. NIOSH considers these animal study findings to be relevant to human health risk because similar lung effects have been observed in workers exposed to respirable particulates of other materials in dusty jobs.

 

Read more

 

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NIH-supported study finds U.S. dementia care costs as high as $215 billion in 2010

NIH-supported study finds U.S. dementia care costs as high as $215 billion in 2010

   April 04, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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NIH-supported study finds U.S. dementia care costs as high as $215 billion in 2010

04/03/2013 05:16 PM EDT

 

The costs of caring for people with dementia in the United States in 2010 were between $159 billion to $215 billion, and those costs could rise dramatically with the increase in the numbers of older people in coming decades, according to estimates by researchers at RAND Corp. and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The researchers found these costs of care comparable to, if not greater than, those for heart disease and cancer.

               

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CAHPS Database Reopening Soon!

CAHPS Database Reopening Soon!

   April 04, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Dear CAHPS Database Users and Submitters:

We are pleased to announce that, after several months of suspended operations due to contracting delays, the CAHPS Database will soon be reopening for submission and reporting of both CAHPS Health Plan and CAHPS Clinician & Group (CG-CAHPS) Survey results. Our projected timeline for submission and reporting of these surveys is as follows:

CAHPS Clinician & Group (CG-CAHPS) Survey

Submission Period:	End of May 2013
Online Reporting:	July 2013

The following five CG-CAHPS Survey versions will be supported for 2013 submission and reporting:

• Adult 12-month 2.0 (4-point scale)
• Child 12-month 2.0 (4-point scale)
• Adult 12-month 2.0 (4-point scale) with Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Supplemental Items (i.e., the PCMH Survey for adults)
• Child 12-month 2.0 (4-point scale) with Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Supplemental Items (i.e., the PCMH Survey for children)
• Adult Visit 2.0

We will be accepting all CG-CAHPS Survey data collected during the 6-quarter period from October 2011 through March of 2013.

CAHPS Health Plan Survey (Medicaid and CHIP Only)

Submission Period:	End of July 2013
Online Reporting:	October 2013

The following CAHPS Health Plan Survey versions will be supported for 2013 submission and reporting:

• Adult Medicaid 5.0
• Child Medicaid 5.0
• Child Medicaid 5.0 with Chronic Conditions Supplemental Items

We will be accepting all survey data for these versions collected during the 3-quarter period from October 2012 through June of 2013.

Submission specifications and other documents (including a Data Use Agreement) for both CG-CAHPS and Health Plan Surveys will be available soon. We will notify you of the URL for the submission system as soon as it becomes operational.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the CAHPS Database by phone at 888-808-7108 or email at CAHPSDatabase@westat.com.

Thank you for your patience and we look forward to your participation in 2013!

The CAHPS Database Team

 

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New NIH funding for two Autism Centers of Excellence

New NIH funding for two Autism Centers of Excellence

   April 02, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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New NIH funding for two Autism Centers of Excellence

04/02/2013 08:17 AM EDT

 

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $5.3 million in initial one-year funding to the latest two recipients of the Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) program. With these awards, announced on World Autism Awareness Day, these and nine other ACE centers around the country are now being funded for up to five years. The program was created in 2007 to launch an intense and coordinated research effort aimed at identifying the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and finding new treatments.

 

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Education campaign returns with powerful stories to help Americans quit smoking

Education campaign returns with powerful stories to help Americans quit smoking

   April 01, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Education campaign returns with powerful stories to help Americans quit smoking

Campaign to expose tragic health impact of smoking

Continuing with the success of last year’s national education ad campaign, "Tips from Former Smokers," a second series of ads was launched today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The ads, funded by the Affordable Care Act’s Prevention and Public Health Fund, feature compelling stories of former smokers living with smoking-related diseases and disabilities.  Beginning Monday, ads will run for at least 12 weeks on television, radio, and billboards, online, and in theaters, magazines, and newspapers nationwide.

"This campaign is saving lives and saving dollars by giving people the facts about smoking in an easy-to-understand way that encourages quitting," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. This campaign is effective. The increase in calls to quitlines after last year’s campaign shows that more people are trying to quit smoking as a result of these ads."

Read more.

 

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April NIH News in Health -- The benefits of slumber, how snoozing strengthens memories, brain scans give clues to antidepressant's effects, living with low vision, and more

April NIH News in Health -- The benefits of slumber, how snoozing strengthens memories, brain scans give clues to antidepressant's effects, living with low vision, and more

   April 01, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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The Benefits of Slumber
Why You Need a Good Night’s Sleep
With so many demands on our time, we often sacrifice sleep to fit everything into our days. But sleep affects both mental and physical health, and lack of sleep can have serious consequences.
Read more about the benefits of slumber.

   

 

Sleep On It
How Snoozing Strengthens Memories
When you learn something new, the best way to remember it is to sleep on it. That’s because sleep helps strengthen the memories you’ve formed throughout the day.
Read more about the complex links between sleep and memory.

 

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EHC Program Update: Technology Assessment Program to Post Draft Report; New Final Report

EHC Program Update: Technology Assessment Program to Post Draft Report; New Final Report

   March 27, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Draft Technology Assessment Announcement

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Technology Assessment Program will be posting a draft technology assessment for review on April 3, 2013. This draft is entitled "Update on Genetic Tests Currently Available for Clinical Use in Common Cancers."  If you are interested in reviewing this document, please visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/ta/call-for-public-review.html. The document will be available for review from 9:00 am April 3, 2013 to 5 pm on April 17. If you have any questions, please contact ahrqtap@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Final Report

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and/or Asthma: Comparative Effectiveness Review. To access this report, visit: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=1427&ECem=130327.

Effective Health Care Program
http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov

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NIAMS welcomes four new advisory council members

NIAMS welcomes four new advisory council members

   March 27, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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NIAMS welcomes four new advisory council members

03/27/2013 08:12 AM EDT

 

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has appointed four new members to its advisory council. The council comprises scientific and lay members who have expertise in the mission areas of the institute. Council members provide advice to the institute on broad policy issues, and make recommendations on research proposals. NIAMS is part of the National Institutes of Health.

 

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Health Care Innovations Exchange: School-Based Health Programs for At-Risk Youth

Health Care Innovations Exchange: School-Based Health Programs for At-Risk Youth

   March 27, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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New Issue Focuses on

School-Based Health Programs for At-Risk Youth

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announces the March 27 issue of the Health Care Innovations Exchange (http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov).

• The featured Innovations describe three school-based programs that enhanced access, particularly among at-risk minority youth, to health information, preventive care, and clinical services.
• The featured QualityTools include resources to support HIV and STD prevention programs in schools and tools to facilitate preventive, mental health, nutrition, and oral health services.
• Read more innovation profiles and tools related to school-based health programs for at-risk youth (http://go.usa.gov/2pjF) on the Innovations Exchange Web site, which contains more than 750 searchable innovations and 1,500 QualityTools.

Spotlight:

• New Expert Commentary
  School-Based Reproductive Health Services as Innovation (http://go.usa.gov/27dT)
  By Melissa Akers, Program Manager at the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care

Events and Podcasts:

• April 9 Web Event
  Join the Innovations Exchange on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, from 1 to 2 pm EST for a free Web event titled Promoting the Spread of Health Care Innovations. For more information about this event and to register, visit the Event page: http://go.usa.gov/2pDb.
• Upcoming Web Event Series
  The Innovations Exchange announces a new Web event series (http://go.usa.gov/27vB) designed to share experiences and lessons learned in putting accountable care organization and patient-centered medical home principles into practice.
  
  Join us on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 2 pm ET for the first event in the series, titled Payment Models that Support Medical Home and Accountable Care Organization Principles: Maryland's Experience. For more information and to register, visit the Event page: http://go.usa.gov/27ve   

Use the My Innovations feature http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/accounts/createAccount.aspx to save your favorite subjects and receive e-mail alerts when new content is published within your areas of interest.

New issues of the Innovations Exchange are published biweekly on Wednesdays. Please contact us at info@innovations.ahrq.gov with any questions or comments.

Follow the Innovations Exchange (AHRQIX) on Twitter with this hyperlink: http://www.twitter.com/ahrqix.

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Draft Technology Assessment: Call for Public Review:

Draft Technology Assessment: Call for Public Review:

   March 27, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Update on Genetic Tests Currently Available for Clinical Use in Common Cancers

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Technology Assessment Program will be posting a draft technology assessment for review on April 3, 2013. This draft is entitled "Update on Genetic Tests Currently Available for Clinical Use in Common Cancers."

If you are interested in reviewing this document, please visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/ta/call-for-public-review.html. The document will be available for review from 9:00 am April 3, 2013, to 5 pm on April 17.

If you have any questions, please contact ahrqtap@ahrq.hhs.gov.

 

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Stressful life events may increase stillbirth risk, NIH network study finds

Stressful life events may increase stillbirth risk, NIH network study finds

   March 27, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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Stressful life events may increase stillbirth risk, NIH network study finds

03/27/2013 12:57 PM EDT

 

Pregnant women who experienced financial, emotional, or other personal stress in the year before their delivery had an increased chance of having a stillbirth, say researchers who conducteda National Institutes of Health network study.

 

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Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forums Update

Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forums Update

   March 27, 2013       SNap(R) Group

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http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/OpenDoorForums/ODF_hhhdme.html   NQF #0209 Deadline for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is Monday, April 1, 2013   Deadline quickly approaching to avoid 2 percentage point reduction to APU for FY 2014   Hospice providers must enter and attest to their NQF #0209 data on the data entry website no later than 11:59pm ET on April 1, 2013 in order to comply with Payment Year 2014 NQF #0209 requirements. Providers that have not already begun entering their NQF #0209 data for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Payment Year 2014 cycle should begin doing so immediately. In order to avoid a 2 percentage point reduction in Annual Payment Update (APU) for FY 2014, providers must have submitted data for both the structural measure and the NQF #0209 measure by the specified deadlines: January 31, 2013 for the structural measure and April 1, 2013 for the NQF #0209 measure. Providers that may have missed the structural measure deadline can still visit the data entry website, create an account, and enter their NQF #0209 data. The link to the data entry site, along with a Technical User Guide giving step-by-step instructions on the data entry process, can be found on the Data Submission portion of the CMS HQRP website.   It is highly recommend that hospice providers confirm attestation and submission of their NQF #0209 data, as compliance with NQF #0209 reporting requirements for FY 2014 is based on the attestation and submission step. Providers are encouraged to print for their records the "NQF #0209 Pain Measure Submitted" page that displays immediately following submission of data. This page confirms the successful submission of data to CMS. Providers may also verify attestation and submission of their NQF #0209 data by logging into the data entry website and viewing the "Measure Data Entry Links and Submission Status" page. If you have submitted and attested to your NQF #0209 data, the NQF #0209 Pain Measure Submission Status will show: "Data Attested and Submitted," along with the date and time-stamp of attestation. Providers may wish to print or save a copy of the "Measure Data Entry Links and Submission Status Page" for their records.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has sent this Cms.hhs.gov- Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forums Update. To contact Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) go to our contact us page.

 

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