July 11, 2012:
You're probably familiar with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) "carrot and stick" approach to implementing new programs. The Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program is one example; physicians were rewarded early on for participating in eRx, but the reward for physicians who do participate is gradually being replaced by a penalty for physicians who don't.
CMS' implementation of the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) follows a similar pattern. In fact, 2012 is the last year you'll be able to participate to earn a bonus instead of participating to avoid a penalty. This year, successful PQRS participants will earn a 0.5% incentive from CMS. But starting in 2013, if you bill Medicare Part B and do not participate in PQRS, you will be penalized 1.5% in 2015.
Enroll in the AOA's CAP for PQRS
Luckily, the AOA's Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) for PQRS can help. Our simple, streamlined process and dedicated staff will guide you through the process, from registering to submitting your report. Even if you already participate in the CMS Electronic Health Record Medicare Meaningful Use Incentive Program, you can still participate in the PQRS. Here's how to get started:
Choose a measure group and select 30 Medicare Part B patients who were seen in the Jan. 1 - Dec. 1, 2012 reporting year. If you are participating in the Individual Measures, you will report on 80% of your Medicare Part B patients who meet three selected measures.
To enroll in CAP for PQRS, you'll need your AOA ID and password, your National Provider Identifier (NPI) and your Tax Identification Number (TIN). You'll also need a credit card for payment.
AOA members receive discounted pricing; we also offer special pricing for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse specialists, and registered dieticians. To learn more or enroll, visit our CAP for PQRS page.
If you have questions, contact Angi Beranek, MPA, manager of the AOA's Division of Clinical Quality, at (312) 202-8198 or aberanek@osteopathic.org.