Issue:
Friday, June 17, 2016
Articles:
ASCRS•ASOA Release Guides on Each of the Four MIPS CategoriesCMS Hosts Two Upcoming Webinars: Clinical Practice Improvement Activities and MIPS ScoringMedPAC Releases June Report; Includes Recommendations for MIPS and Advanced APMsProposed Legislation Requires Physicians to Report Adverse Events with Medical DevicesSenate Finance Committee to Hold June 28 Hearing on Proposed Medicare Part B Rx DemoGovernment Accountability Office (GAO) Faults FDA for Lack of Strategic Planning; House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) Cites Need to Enact 21st Century Cures ActASCRS•ASOA Joint Government Relations Session on Regulatory Burdens: Rise of the Fourth Branch of Government with Jonathan Turley Now Available to View OnlineHouse Passes Bipartisan Hospital Payment Bill Including Meaningful Use Exemption for ASCs; Senate Consideration Uncertain Legislation Introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) Would Provide Coverage for Refractive Eye Exams and Eyeglasses under Medicare Part B; H.R. 5396 Discussed during Health Subcommittee Hearing to Improve and Sustain MedicareASCRS Issues Letter of Support for REINS Act Legislation Sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-KY) that Would Require Congressional Approval for Major Federal RulemakingSenate Appropriations Committee Report on FY2017 Labor, HHS & Education Bill Includes Language on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force as Requested by ASCRS and the Alliance of Specialty MedicineHHS’ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Releases 2016 Mid-Year Work PlanReminder: 2015 Meaningful Use Hardship Exemption Applications Due July 1, 2016ASCRS Joins with Medical Community in Response to CMS’ Request for Information (RFI) Regarding EHR InteroperabilityCMS Posts Supplemental Documents to Ambulatory Surgery Center Quality Reporting Program (ASCQR) Specifications Manual New Resources to Help You Understand the Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule; Changes to the Program Expected when Finalized CMS to Hold Webinar on Resource Use Component of MIPSUpper Eyelid Blepharoplasty and Blepharoptosis Repair Payment Changes Announced for ASC Payment SystemLegislation Sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-KY) Would Require Congressional Approval for Major Federal RulemakingSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-KY) Call on CMS to Withdraw Part B Drug DemonstrationUpcoming Medicare Trustees Report May Include Spending Increases Large Enough to Trigger IPABHouse Ways and Means Committee to Hold Hearing Examining Proposals for Improving MedicareASCRS•ASOA Key Issues in Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule to Be Addressed; 2016 Legislative Fly-In Attendees Will Push for Delay in ImplementationCMS to Host Webinar on Quality Performance Category of MIPSQuality Payment Program Proposed Rule Includes Option for Hospital-Employed Clinicians to Report Hospital Performance MeasuresCMS Changes Payment Policy for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty and Blepharoptosis Repair for Outpatient Prospective Payment SystemOphthalmic Community Advocacy Leads to Correction to 65855 Trabeculoplasty by Laser Code; Bilateral Payment Indicator ChangedHouse Ways and Means Committee Passes Bipartisan Hospital Payment Bill; Limited Site-Neutral Exemption for Hospital-Owned Outpatient Departments Under Construction and Meaningful Use Exemption for Physicians with a Substantial Portion of Services DelivereHouse Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leaders Request FDA to Address Off-Label CommunicationsHouse Energy and Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on Improper Payments and Ineligible Providers in Medicare and Medicaid2016 PQRS GPRO Registration Open Through June 30CMS Call on the Future of Physician Compare Get Involved and Show Your Support for ASCRS’ Policy Efforts with a Donation to eyePACCMS Hosts Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program Webinar Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Appoints New Drug Compounding Lead; ASCRS to Provide Testimony on Office Use Compounding and RepackagingBipartisan Hospital Payment Bill Introduced in the House; Includes Limited Site-Neutral Exemption for Hospital-Owned Outpatient Departments Under Construction and Meaningful Use Exemption for Physicians with a Substantial Portion of Services Delivered in House Energy and Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on Part B Drug Demonstration; Rheumatologist Testifies on Behalf of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine Jonathan Turley, JD, Speaks at 2016 Joint ASCRS•ASOA Government Relations General Session and Warns Regulatory Bodies Acting as a “Fourth Branch of Government” Threaten Medicine and PatientsAttend or Miss Any of the Government Relations Sessions at the 2016 ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress? Download the Slides Now!ASCRS•ASOA Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule Guide and Quality Measures List Now AvailableHouse Ways and Means Committee Holds Hearing on MACRA and Recently Released Quality Payment Program Proposed RuleLegislation to Halt Medicare Part B Drug Demo Introduced in the House; Bipartisan Criticism of the Proposal GrowsRepublican Senators Reiterate Concerns about FDA Draft Guidance DocumentsCMS Finalizes Quality Measure Development Plan CMS Announces the Release of the PQRS 2014 Reporting ExperienceCMS Hosts a Virtual Office Hour Series Focused on 2016 PQRS Reporting Measures CMS Releases Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Quality Data 2015–2016 eyePAC Contributors Attend Annual eyePAC Reception at the National World War II Museum in New OrleansCMS Releases Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule to Implement MACRA; Includes Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APM); Removes All-or-Nothing Measurement for EHR Score ComponentCMS Responds to Bipartisan Senate Letter Requesting Reconsideration of Drastic Cuts to Glaucoma and Retina ProceduresASCRS Joins with Alliance of Specialty Medicine in Comments on Medicare Enrollment Proposed RulePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board Approves $44.4 Million for 21 New Patient-Centered Research ProjectsRepublican Senators Release Draft EHR Legislation; Request Feedback from HHSSen. John McCain (R-AZ) Introduces Veteran’s Health Care Legislation; Includes Permanent Continuation of Veteran’s Choice ProgramCMS Hosts Webinar on 2016 PQRS Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO)Reminder: Open Payments Review and Dispute Period Now OpenCMS to Hold Three Calls on the Quality Payment Program Proposed RuleDon’t Miss Key Legislative and Regulatory Updates; Plan Your Time at the 2016 ASCRS•ASOA Annual Meeting with the Government Relations Programming-at-a-Glance GuideEnergy and Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on Physician Readiness for MACRA Implementation; ASCRS Joins with the Alliance of Specialty Medicine in Statement for the RecordBipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Introduced to Require a 90-Day Meaningful Use Reporting Period for 2016FDA Approves Photrexa Viscous, Photrexa, and the KXL System for Corneal Cross-LinkingCMS Releases 2014 PQRS Experience Report CMS Releases New Notice on Refunding Previously Recouped Money on the Remittance AdviceCMS Hosts Hospital Quality Initiative Open Door Forum, Covering Self-Identified Overpayment RuleCMS Will Release Updated eCQM Files in MayCMS Hosts ASC Webinar on Troubleshooting Quality Data Codes (QDCs)House Energy and Commerce Committee to Hold Hearing to Mark the One-Year Anniversary of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and Investigate Physician Efforts to Prepare for ImplementationSen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) Introduces Legislation to Curb Deceptive Practices by Online Contact Lens RetailersCertain Provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act Included in FDA Appropriations Report Language FDA Releases Three Draft Guidance Documents Related to Office-Use Drug Compounding ASCRS•ASOA Release New 2016 Regulatory GuidesCMS Releases Request for Information on Patient Relationship Categories and Codes and Information on Solicitation for Technical Assistance Related to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA)CMS Releases Resources for Participation in the 2016 EHR Meaningful Use ProgramRegister for the CMS 2015 Mid-Year QRUR WebcastDon’t Miss Key Legislative and Regulatory Updates; Plan Your Time at the 2016 ASCRS•ASOA Annual Meeting with the Government Relations Programming-at-a-Glance GuideSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Completes Work on Medical Innovation Legislation; Mandatory Funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) May Be Addressed During Full Senate ConsiderationCMS Releases 2015 Mid-Year Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs)CMS Releases 2016 Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs)CMS Hosts 2016 PQRS Reporting Virtual Office Hours Sessions 2016 PQRS Group Reporting Option (GPRO) Registration Is Now OpenReminder: Open Payments Review and Dispute Period Now Open; Join the CMS Call on How to Prepare to Review Open Payments 2016 Reported Data ASCRS•ASOA Releases New Guide on Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Program; Clarification on the MIPS Program and Alternate Payment Models (APMs) CMS Invites Quality Innovation Network–Quality Improvement Organizations to Submit Special Innovation Projects to Expand Their Research in Improving Care Delivery Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to Act on Final Slate of Medical Innovation Legislation Next WeekASCRS Joins Medical Community in Letter to CMS on Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Benchmarking Proposed Rule FDA Announces Five New Unique Device Identification (UDI) Education ModulesCMS Hosts PQRS Office Hours Session and Call on 2016 PQRS ReportingReminder: Join the CMS Call on How to Prepare to Review Open Payments 2016 Reported Data Constitutional Law Professor Jonathan Turley Warns Congress About Regulatory Branch Overreach; Don’t Miss Your Chance to Hear Him at the Joint ASCRS•ASOA Government Relations General Session in New OrleansHave Questions About Legislative or Regulatory Issues Affecting Your Practice? Advocacy from ASCRS and Ophthalmic Community Prompts Bipartisan Senate Letter to CMS Requesting Reconsideration of Glaucoma and Retina CutsPrecision Medicine and Device Standards Recommendations Legislation Introduced in the Senate; Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) Pushes for 21st Century Cures EnactmentBipartisan Group of House Members Requests No Funds Be Appropriated for the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) in FY 2017ASCRS Asks CMS to Withdraw Part B Drug Reimbursement Proposed Rule CMS Releases New 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Educational MaterialsCMS Releases ICD-10 Tools and Information to Help Providers Maintain ICD-10 ProgressCMS Releases New Tools to Help Providers Analyze ICD-10 ProgressASCRS and Ophthalmic Community Advocacy Spurs Bipartisan House Letter Requesting CMS Reconsider the Magnitude of Cuts to Glaucoma and Retina Codes; More Than 80 Members Co-Sign Letter House Energy and Commerce Committee Holds Oversight Hearing on MACRA Implementation; CMS' Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Administrator for Innovation and Quality, Patrick Conway, MD, TestifiesMedPAC Releases March 2016: Report to the Congress Medicare Payment Policy; Recommends No Update in Facility Fees for Ambulatory Surgical Centers CMS Hosts Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Webinar on Quality Data Codes CMS Releases New Tools to Help Providers Analyze ICD-10 ProgressJoin the CMS Call on How to Prepare to Review Open Payments 2016 Reported DataCMS Hosts Three-Part 2016 PQRS Quality Reporting Measures Office Hours Series CMS Announces 2016 Value Based Payment Modifier (VBPM) Results and Upward Payment Adjustment FactorOpen Payments System Registration for Physicians and Teaching Hospitals CDC Hosts Question and Answer Sessions on Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Data Collection and Reporting CMS Announces Final Round of Applications for the Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Model FDA Settles Off-Label Case with Amarin; Company May Make Truthful and Non-Misleading Statements on Off-Label Use Health Affairs Study Finds Four Physician Specialties Spend $15.4 Billion Annually to Report Quality Measures CMS Proposes New Medicare Part B Prescription Drug Models for Medicare Beneficiaries House Energy and Commerce Committee to Hold Oversight Hearing on MACRA ImplementationSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Approves Several Medical Innovation-Focused Pieces of LegislationASCRS and Ophthalmic Community Advocacy Spurs Bipartisan House and Senate Letters Requesting CMS Reconsider the Magnitude of Cuts to Glaucoma and Retina Codes; More than 70 Members Co-Sign House Letter Advocacy from ASCRS in Conjunction with the Ophthalmic and Specialty Medical Communities Prompts House Doctors Caucus to Caution CMS Against Revaluing Codes Without Taking Time and Intensity into AccountSenate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to Hold Second Mark-Up of Medical Innovation Legislation; Committee Democrats to Introduce FDA and NIH Funding BillBipartisan Legislation to Speed Approval of Generic Drugs Seeks to Reduce Drug CostsReminder: EHR Meaningful Use Attestation Deadline – March 11, 2016CMS Extends 2015 Meaningful Use Hardship Exemption Deadline to July 1, 2016CMS Announces 30% of Medicare Fee-for-Service Payments Tied to Alternative Payment Models U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Announces Interoperability Healthcare Industry PledgeCMS Proposes Changes to Provider Enrollment Process to Maintain Program IntegrityCMS Releases ICD-10 Next Steps Toolkit for Providers Reminder: CMS Deadline for 2015 PQRS Submission Through EHR Reporting Mechanism – March 11CMS Extends 2015 Meaningful Use Hardship Exemption Deadline to July 1, 2016Following ASCRS Advocacy, CMS Releases New and Updated Guidance on the Public Health Reporting Requirements for Meaningful Use 2016REMINDER: 2014 EHR Meaningful Use Reconsideration Form Deadline February 29, 2016Senate Confirms Robert Califf, MD, as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Ask Your Representative to Help Minimize Cuts to Glaucoma and Retina Codes; Deadline Extended to Send an Instant Email Urging Him or Her to Sign the Roskam/Lewis Letter Requesting CMS Reconsider the CutsHouse Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) Plans Hearing on One-Year Anniversary of MACRAWhite House Marks One-Year Anniversary of the Precision Medicine Initiative; Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee May Act on Related Legislation in AprilHouse Republicans Release Healthcare Reform Mission StatementASCRS and Alliance of Specialty Medicine Express Concerns to CMS Regarding Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) CMS Releases Quarterly Update to Medicare Physician Fee Schedule DatabaseCMS Releases Medicare Advantage and Part D 2017 Advance Notice and Draft Call LetterCMS Publishes Medicare Fee-for-Service Provider and Supplier Lists CMS Hosts Provider Medicare Enrollment Revalidation Call CMS Hosts Physician, Nurse and Allied Health Profession Open Door ForumEHR Meaningful Use Public Health Objective Clarification for 2016CMS Releases Hardship Exemption ClarificationHave You Asked Your Representative to Help Minimize Cuts to Glaucoma and Retina Codes? Send an Instant Email Urging Him or Her to Sign the Roskam/Lewis Letter Requesting CMS Reconsider the CutsSenate Expected to Begin Voting on FDA Nominee Next WeekCMS Announces Alignment of Quality Measures for Seven Core Areas Register for CMS’ ASC Quality Reporting Webinar on February 24CMS Releases Frequently Asked Questions on the 2015 ASC Quality Reporting Measure ASC-7Residents and Fellows: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Travel to Washington, D.C. to Make a Difference for Your Profession and Your PatientsSenate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Approves S. 2511, the Improving Health Information Technology Act, and Other Innovation-Focused Legislation; Debates Additional Steps for Accelerating Medical InnovationPresident Obama Releases FY 2017 Budget Proposal; Includes Several Medicare ProposalsThere is Still Time to Help Minimize Steep Cuts to Ophthalmic Codes; Ask Your Representative to Sign the Roskam/Lewis Letter Urging CMS to ReconsiderSenate Set to Vote on Robert Califf, MD’s Nomination for FDA AdministratorCMS Extends 2015 Meaningful Use Attestation Deadline to March 11, 2016CMS Releases Information on Clinical Decision Support Making for Meaningful UseCMS Publishes New Tipsheet to Determine Eligibility for Broadband Access ExclusionsASCRS Joins With Medical Community in 2016 PQRS Payment and Informal Review Process LetterCMS Extends Deadline for 2015 PQRS Submission Through EHR Reporting MechanismReminder: Last Chance to Register for CMS Physician Compare WebinarsCMS Releases Medicare Reporting and Returning of Self-Identified Overpayments Final RuleNow Accepting Applications for the ASCRS/YES Legislative Fly-In Scholarship ProgramAttend the ASCRS•ASOA and Alliance of Specialty Medicine Fly-In in Washington, D.C.; July 11–13, 2016 ASCRS•ASOA and the Ophthalmic Community Continue Advocacy to Minimize Steep Cuts to Ophthalmic Codes; Get in the Game and Ask Your Representative to Sign the Roskam/Lewis Letter Urging CMS to ReconsiderSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to Consider Health IT and Medical Innovation Legislation Next WeekHouse Fails to Override President’s Veto of Budget Reconciliation Bill Repealing Portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Investigates Rising Drug Prices; Senators Request Price Controls in President’s FY 2017 Budget ProposalCMS Clarifies EHR Meaningful Use Streamlined Hardship ExemptionAmbulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program RemindersUpdated Information on Physician Compare WebsiteReminder: It’s Time to Submit Your 2015 PQRS Reporting Data ASCRS•ASOA Hosts ICD-10 Tips Web SeminarCMS Hosts Medicare Quality Reporting Programs Webinar CMS Releases Proposed Rule to Expand Access to Medicare and Private Claims DataASCRS Submits Comments on Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Health IT Discussion Draft; Recommends Additional Provisions to Ease the Regulatory Burden on PhysiciansFour Senators Place Holds on FDA Administrator Nominee; Timeline for Confirmation Unclear, But President Maintains Support Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Releases 2016 Budget and Economic Outlook; Predicts Increased Deficits Partially Due to Healthcare SpendingDo You Have Meaningful Use Questions? Get Them Answered During the Upcoming CMS Meaningful Use Webinar Hosted by ASCRS•ASOACMS Releases 2015 Meaningful Use Streamlined Hardship Application Process InformationProviders Must Submit PQRS EHR Direct and Data Submission Vendor Reporting Data by February 29, 2016CMS Announces Changes to Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) BenchmarkingCMS Releases 2015 Meaningful Use Streamlined Hardship Application Process Information Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Releases Bipartisan Health IT Improvement Discussion Draft; Announces Plans for a Piecemeal Approach to Medical Innovation LegislationTop U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Officials Discuss Next Steps for EHR Meaningful Use ProgramGet Your Meaningful Use Questions Answered During Upcoming CMS Meaningful Use Webinar Hosted by ASCRS•ASOAASCRS Participates in CMS Listening Session on Collecting Data on Global Surgery MACRA Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee AnnouncedCMS Hosts Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Webinar on January 27, 2016CMS Updates Open Payments Data CMS Hosts Public Reporting Information Sessions on Updates to Physician Compare Website CMS Announces Next Open Door Forum Call on Physician Compare and Open PaymentsASCRS Advocacy Prevents Decrease in Reimbursement for Cataract Code 66984 in 2016; Additional Changes to Conversion Factor and Phase-In of Code Reductions Including Glaucoma and Retina CodesASCRS Joins With Ophthalmic Community to Fight Drastic Reductions to Glaucoma and Retina ProceduresSenate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Approves FDA Administrator NomineeASCRS•ASOA Joins Medical Community in Letter of Support for the Medicare Advantage Bill of RightsApril 2016 ASC Reporting Preview Reports Now AvailableASCRS Members Meet with CMS to Educate on Dangers of Using Enzymatic Detergent to Clean Intraocular Instruments ASCRS•ASOA Creates New Value-Based Payment Modifier (VBPM) and Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Guides for 2016 CMS Launches New Medicare Drug Spending DatabaseMedPAC Votes to Recommend Scheduled Payment Update for Physicians in 2017; Recommends No Update for ASCsCMS Announces 121 New Accountable Care Organization (ACO) ParticipantGet in the Game and Attend the 2016 ASCRS•ASOA and Alliance of Specialty Medicine Fly-In in Washington, D.C.; July 11–13, 2016; Residents Encouraged to Apply for a Scholarship to AttendPresident Vetoes Reconciliation Bill Repealing Provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA); Medical Device Tax Remains Delayed for Two-Years Under FY 2016 Spending DealSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Schedules Confirmation Vote for FDA Chief Nominee; Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Hopes to Prioritize Medical Innovation Legislation in 2016ASCRS Anticipates Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update EHR Meaningful Use Program 2015 Attestation Open January 4 Through February 29 2016 Meaningful Use Reconsideration Process OpenReminder: It’s Time to Submit Your 2015 PQRS Reporting DataCMS Announces PQRS Web-Based Measure Search ToolCMS Releases January 2016 Update of Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System; Corneal Tissue Billing Instructions ClarifiedCMS Releases Updated Versions of Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Specifications ManualTwo Important Calls on January 20, 2016; CMS Listening Session on Global Surgery and ASOA 2016 Medicare Update Webinar ASCRS, AAO, and OOSS Release Clinical Guideline on the Use of Enzyme Detergent in ASCsCongress Passes Bill to Expedite the Meaningful Use Hardship Exemption Process for 2015 Following ASCRS•ASOA and Medical Community AdvocacyCongress Passes FY 2016 Spending Deal Including Two-Year Delay of the Medical Device Tax, Reduced Funding for the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), and Addressing Office-Use CompoundingSens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) along with Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) Reintroduce the Medicare Advantage Bill of RightsSens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mike Lee (R-UT) Introduce Legislation to Speed Access to Drugs and Devices Approved in Certain CountriesSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Plans Vote on FDA Commissioner Nomination in JanuaryFDA Publishes Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgical (MIGS) Device Final Guidance FDA Clarifies Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Off-Label Promotion is AcceptableOffice of National Coordination for Health HIT’s (ONC) Health Information Technology Policy Committee (HITPC) Releases Report to Congress on InteroperabilityNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Updates Managed Care Plan Network Adequacy Act CMS Releases Payment Determinations for the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program CMS Hosts ASCQR Program Webinar CMS Hosts Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Listening Session on Global Surgery Get in the Game and Register for the 2016 eyePAC Reception at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA, Friday, May 6, 2016 at 7:00 pmCMS’ Chief of Innovation and Chief Medical Officer Patrick Conway, MD, Responds to ASCRS Questions Regarding Meaningful UseCongress Passes Stopgap Funding Bill; ASCRS•ASOA and Medical Community Continue Advocacy for Meaningful Use Reforms to Be Included in FY 2016 AppropriationsTwo-Year Medical Device Tax Delay Could Be Included in Year-End Tax Extension LegislationSenate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) Introduce Legislation to Reform the Medicare Audit and Appeals Process CMS Posts New Quality Data to Physician Compare, Including for Individual PhysiciansCMS Releases New ICD-10 Website Wheel for Easier Access to ICD-10 ResourcesCMS Posts New Resources on the CMS EHR Incentive Programs Website ASCRS Submits Comments to CMS on Stage 3 Meaningful Use; Urges Delay in Implementation and Major Changes to Measures and ThresholdsASCRS•ASOA and Medical Community Call for “Blanket” Meaningful Hardship Relief and a Delay of Stage 3 to Be Included in Year-End Spending Legislation; House Doctors’ Caucus Urges Immediate ActionSenate Passes Reconciliation Bill Repealing Provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)U.S. Health Spending Growth Accelerates to 5.3% in 2014 After Years of Stagnant GrowthReview ASCRS’ 2016 Medicare Participation Kit U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Releases Fiscal Year 2016 Work Plan Noridian Healthcare Solutions Undertaking Review of Cataract Surgery ClaimsCMS Publishes Blog Article Focusing on Shift From Volume to Results Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Specifications Manual Updated CMS Extends Informal Review Period for 2016 Value Modifier to December 16, 2015ASCRS•ASOA to Host “Ask the Experts” Webinar on December 9, 2015; Final Chance to Submit Questions Register Now: CMS Hosts Call on Medicare Quality Reporting Programs in the 2016 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule CMS Hosts Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program Webinar on December 9, 2015ASCRS Government Relations Committee Member Parag Parekh, MD, Hosts Physician Roundtable with Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA)Regulatory Burdens Have Become the Fourth Branch of Government; Find Out the Remedy From Professor Jonathan Turley During the Joint ASCRS•ASOA Government Relations General Session at the 2016 ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress ASCRS Submits Comments in Response to CMS’ Request for Information on the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS); Joins Physician Community in Letter to CMS Highlighting Basic Principles for MIPSAdditional Clarification of Stage 2 Modifications Health Information Exchange ObjectiveDon’t Miss Your Opportunity to Share Your Meaningful Use Experiences with CMS Directly; Submit Comments on the Stage 3 Final Rule TodayCMS Releases New Public Health Reporting FAQsSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing for Food and Drug Administrator Nominee Robert Califf, MDCMS Releases New Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) on November 16, 2015CMS Extends Deadline for Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Informal Review ProcessCMS Issues Clarifications Regarding National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) and Local Cover Determinations (LCDs) Related to the ICD-10 TransitionReminder: CMS Hosts Call on Medicare Quality Reporting Programs in the 2016 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule ASCRS Issues Support for Legislation to Provide a “Blanket” Hardship Exemption for 2015 Meaningful UseTake the American Medical Association (AMA) Summary of Care Survey to Help Improve the Transition of Care Objective for Meaningful Use There’s Still Time to Make a Difference: Get in the Game and Submit Comments on the Stage 3 Final Rule Directly to CMSBudget Reconciliation Bill Repealing Portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) May Be Amended to Conform with Senate Procedural RulesReminder: Physician Compare Preview Period Extended Through November 16, 2015CMS Hosts Virtual Office Hour Session on Self-Nomination for Prospective Qualified Clinical Data Registries (QCDRs)ASCRS•ASOA to Host “Ask the Experts” Webinar on December 9 CMS Clarifies Stage 2 Health Information Exchange/Transition of Care Measure ASCRS Joins With 112 Medical Groups Calling on Congress to Reform the Meaningful Use Program Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-GA) Introduces Legislation to Provide a “Blanket” Hardship Exemption for 2015 Meaningful UseHave You Shared Your Meaningful Use Experiences with CMS Yet? Get in the Game and Submit a Comment on the Stage 3 Final RuleCMS Releases 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final RuleCMS Issues 2016 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates Final Rule Physician Compare Preview Period Extended Through November 16, 2015CMS Hosts Virtual Office Hour Session on 2015 Measure-Applicability Validation (MAV) ProcessReminder: 2016 PQRS Informal Review Process Deadline Extended to November 23CMS Hosts Call on Medicare Quality Reporting Programs in the 2015 Physician Fee ScheduleDoes Meaningful Use Make You Want to Scream? Share Your Horror Story Directly with CMS Meaningful Use Stage 2: Transition of Care Measure – Hardship Exemption Option for ProvidersHouse and Senate Pass Two-Year Budget Deal; Includes One-Year Extension of 2% Sequestration Cuts to Medicare Physician PaymentsSenate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Outlines Vision for Medical Innovation LegislationRep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Seek Opportunities to Pass Medical Device Tax Repeal or Two-Year SuspensionASCRS and Medical Community Comment on National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Managed Care Plan Network Adequacy Act Physician Compare Preview Period Extended Until November 16, 2015Reminder: 2016 PQRS Informal Review Process Deadline November 9CMS Releases FAQ on How to Use ICD-10 Qualifiers; Provides Update on Claims Processing Since TransitionCMS to Host Webinar on Comparative Billing Reports on Optometry ServicesCMS to Host Webinar on ASC Quality Reporting; October 28, 2015; 2:00 pm E.TCMS Clarifies EHR Reporting Period and Public Health Measure in Stage 2 Modifications Rule; ASCRS•ASOA Releases Stage 2 Modifications and Stage 3 Meaningful Use GuidesGet in the Game and Make Your Voice Heard! 60-Day Comment Period on Meaningful Use Stage 3 Rule Allows ASCRS•ASOA Members to Share their Feedback with CMS DirectlyLegislation to Repeal Meaningful Use Penalties Introduced in the HouseHouse Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill Repealing Portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) Introduces H.R. 3770, the End Surprise Billing Act to Avoid High Patient Bills From Out-of-Network PhysiciansReminder: 2016 PQRS Informal Review Process Deadline Extended to November 23, 2015CMS Releases Information on How to Check Your Medicare Fee-For-Service Claim Under ICD-10Professor Jonathan Turley to Speak About the Rise of the “Fourth Branch of Government” at the Joint ASCRS•ASOA Government Relations General Session during the 2016 ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & CongressCMS Clarifies EHR Reporting Period for Stage 1 and Stage 2; Expect Clarification on Public Health Measure Shortly ASCRS•ASOA Releases Meaningful Use 2015-2017 Guide House Budget Committee Prepares Reconciliation Bill to Repeal Provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)Medicare Beneficiaries’ Premiums to Rise Due to Lack of Social Security Benefit Increase; Congress May Attempt to Off-Set Premium Increases with Cuts to Provider ReimbursementsCMS Extends 2016 Value Modifier Informal Review Deadline to November 23, 2015 ASCRS•ASOA Hosts Final Webinar to Answer ICD-10 Questions Following ICD-10 ImplementationCMS Releases Contact List for Providers With Questions About ICD-10Medicare Payment Advisory Committee (MedPAC) reviews Physician Payment Under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Program and Alternative Payment Models (APMs)CMS Plans to Release Comparative Billing Reports on Optometry Services in OctoberGet in the Game: You Asked, We AnsweredCMS Finalizes EHR Program Modifications and Stage 3 Rule; ASCRS•ASOA Presses for Clarifications on Modifications Rule Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander Criticizes CMS for Finalizing Stage 3CMS Updates FAQs on Participation in EHR Incentive Programs Sens. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Introduce EHR Rating and Interoperability LegislationASCRS•ASOA Hosts Webinar to Answer ICD-10 Questions Following ICD-10 Implementation CMS Announces Virtual Office Hour Session on 2015 PQRS ReportingPreview Period for 2014 Physician Compare Quality Measures Started October 5Update to Medicare Physician and Other Supplier DataCMS Update to Hospital Compare Website Includes Ambulatory Surgical Center Reporting DataCMS Releases Request for Information on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization (MACRA) Implementation Including the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)Meaningful Use Stage 1 & 2 Modifications Rule Has Yet to Be Released Despite Pressure from Medical Community and CongressHouse Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on Proposed Health Insurer MergersHouse Committees Prepare Reconciliation Legislation to Repeal Portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)Bill to Modernize Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Payments and Increase Transparency Introduced in the SenateBipartisan Bill to Address Physician Shortages Introduced in the Senate; Alliance of Specialty Medicine Issues SupportASCRS•ASOA Hosts Webinar to Answer ICD-10 Questions Following the First Week of ICD-10 Implementation 2016 PQRS Informal Review Process Deadline November 92014 Supplemental Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) Available Preview Period for 2014 Physician Compare Quality Measures Starts October 5US Government Accountability Office (GAO) Releases Report on Medicare Advantage Network AdequacyASCRS•ASOA and Medical Community Continue to Press for the Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2 Modifications Proposed Rule to be Finalized and Delay of Stage 3; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Still Reviewing Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on Health Insurance MergersAre You Ready For the October 1 ICD-10 Transition? US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Releases Updated Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2015–2020CMS Creates New EHR Incentive Programs Website CMS Releases Guidance on Switching EHR Vendors CMS Announces Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program WebinarReminder: ASC Web-Entered Measure Data Submission Deadline on Wednesday, September 30Efforts to Delay Stage 3 of Meaningful Use Continue; OMB Still Reviewing Final Rules to Provide Flexibility for Stages 1 and 2 and Implement Stage 3; HELP Committee Chairman Echoes Medical Community Concerns During EHR HearingU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Releases Questionable Billing for Medicare Ophthalmology Services ReportCMS Distributes PQRS Payment Adjustment Notification LettersCMS Releases Guidance on Claims Submission Alternatives for Providers Who Have Difficulty Submitting ICD-10 ClaimsRegister for ASCRS•ASOA Web Seminar: “ICD-10: Your Questions Answered – Part 4”ASCRS Joins Surgical Coalition in Letter to Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) Regarding Legislation to Delay Stage 3 of Meaningful Use; OMB Still Reviewing Final Rules to Provide Flexibility for Stages 1 and 2 and Implement Stage 3House Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on Competition in the Healthcare MarketASCRS and AAO Release Updated Joint Co-Management GuidelinesASCRS Submits Comments to CMS on 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule; Office-Based Cataract Surgery Request for Information Response Based on Member SurveyCMS Releases 2016 PQRS Payment Adjustment Fact Sheet 2014 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) Now AvailablePQRS 2016 Informal Review Session Began September 9CMS Announces ASCs Can Suppress Quality Reporting Data on Hospital Compare WebsiteRegister for ASCRS•ASOA Web Seminar: “ICD-10: Your Questions Answered – Part 4”Reminder: Sign Up for Physician Compare Webinars by September 18Stage 2 Flexibility and Stage 3 Final Rules Could be Released Shortly; ASCRS Keeps the Pressure on Reconciliation Bill Could Include Medical Device Tax RepealASCRS Submits Comments Jointly with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society (OOSS), Society for Excellence in Eyecare (SEE), and American Society of Retina Specialists (ARS) on ASCPrReminder: Register for ASCRS•ASOA Web Seminar: “ICD-10: Your Questions Answered – Part 3”CMS Announces Value-Based Insurance Design Model for Medicare Advantage PlansGet in the Game: You Now Have Two Ways to ParticipateUse ASCRS•ASOA’s New Legislative and Regulatory Home Page to Access Information FasterGet Ready to Get in the Game: Congress Reconvenes After Labor Day and ASCRS•ASOA is Gearing Up to Fight for a Delay of Stage 3 of Meaningful UseASCRS Continues Advocacy to Ensure Access to Repackaged BiologicsCMS Releases 2014 Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) Performance ResultsRegister for ASCRS•ASOA Web Seminar: “ICD-10 Your Questions Answered – Part 3”CMS Announces Successful Final ICD-10 End-to-End Testing Week Reminder: Sign Up for CMS’ 2014 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports Overview Webcast CMS Hosts Medicare Quality Reporting Programs: 2017 Payment Adjustments Call CMS Releases Concise Guide to ICD-10 ResourcesDon’t Miss Your Chance to Make a Difference; Get in the Game and Help Delay Meaningful Use Stage 3Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-KY) Travels to Haiti on Cataract Mission Trip In Conjunction With the Moran Eye Center and ASCRS FoundationASCRS Meets With House Judiciary Committee to Discuss Health Insurance Company MergersFind Information Faster and Easier with the Redesigned Legislative and Regulatory Home Page Take Time to Review ASCRS•ASOA Resources Reminder: Register for ASCRS•ASOA Web Seminar: “ICD-10 Your Questions Answered – Part 2”CMS Releases New ASC Video: “Becoming a Security Administrator”Join 2014 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports Overview Webcast CMS Announces 2015 PQRS Reporting Virtual Office Hours Session FDA Releases Final Guidance for Entities Registered as Outsourcing Facilities Reminder: Sign Up for Physician Compare Webinars August is the Perfect Time to Get in the Game and Advocate for a Delay of Meaningful Use Stage 3ASCRS Joins Coalition to Monitor and Advocate for the Physician Perspective in Proposed Health Insurance MergersCMS Announces Physician Compare Webinars CMS Releases New ICD-10 ResourcesGet in the Game: Be an Advocate in Your District or State to Help Delay Stage 3 of Meaningful Use Survey Closes TODAY: Provide Input on Office-Based Surgical Suite Cataract SurgerySenate Passes Legislation to Exempt Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Encounters from Meaningful Use CMS Announces Some Vendors May Have Submitted 2014 Quality Reporting Data With Errors; Provides Contingency Plan for Dealing with ErrorsFood and Drug Administration (FDA) Responds to Alliance of Specialty Medicine Regarding Off-Label Use; Currently Updating Off-Label GuidanceCMS Releases Corrected Version of Clarifying Questions and Answers Related to the Grace Period; Posts Additiona