Data Reporting

OIG Alert Shows Increased Concern Over Data Blocking

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued an alert over its growing concern of data blocking, emphasizing that such activities are in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback statue. This article explains what data blocking is and the OIG’s stance in its regard.

The Pioneer Accountable Care Organization Model: Improving Quality and Lowering Costs

This Journal of the American Medical Association article reveals the progress achievements of the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Pioneer model (e.g. $147 million in total program savings for year one in 2012). The essay reveals that most ACOs outperformed Medicare Fee-For-Service models for all 15 quality metrics. Not all ACOs generated savings, as the article confirms nine ACOs have transitioned to the Shared Savings Program, while three have withdrawn entirely. Further improvements are documented in year two, where ACOs demonstrated a mean overall quality score of 84% in 2013 as compared to 70.8% in 2012. They also saved $96 million in year two vs. $87 million in year one.

CEHRT Systems Available for Use in 2014

Key EHR Contract Terms for Users to Understand

This document provides an introduction to the basic terms and concepts regarding EHR contracting.

GPRO Quick Start User Guide

This 2015 Quick Start User Guide (PDF format) provides information on how to access the ACO GPRO Web Interface and the PQRS GPRO Web Interface.

GPRO Web Interface Reporting Made Simple

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services PDF document provides group practices with basic GPRO information, including registration and reporting.

Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information

Produced by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, this PDF guide looks into privacy and security and Meaningful Use.

An Introduction to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program

A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduction (PDF format) to help eligible professionals understand the basics of the Medicare EHR incentive program.

Physician Compare Redesign Fact Sheet

This PDF fact sheet provides information about the 2013 Physician Compare redesign, which includes a more accurate database and improved search features.

Physician Compare Overview

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services overview provides information about Physician Compare, as well as its purpose, evolution, and future.

CMS PQRS Homepage

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services PQRS homepage includes information, links, and other PQRS resources.

PQRS Incentive Payments

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website provides information about PQRS incentive payments and how to read feedback reports.

The Five Elements of QAPI

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services PDF fact sheet briefly describes the five elements of QAPI.

QAPI At A Glance

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services step-by-step PDF guide explains how to implement QAPI in nursing homes.

Fiscal year 2016 results for CMS Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program

The Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program is one of many Affordable Care Act programs Medicare is putting into place to pay for quality instead of quantity. For FY 2016, this Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report gives a snapshot of how hospitals are performing on several...

Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Mortality and AHRQ PSI-90 Composite Measures Overview

The 30-day mortality measures for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), and pneumonia (PN) under the Outcome domain