MACRA: Navigating Its Complexities
In October 2016, CMS released the final rule outlining new payment programs under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). MACRA's Quality Payment Program (QPP) is a significant change to Medicare payment policy reshaping how information about patient care is captured and valued, which is a complicated process requiring a significant amount of time and education. Implementing MACRA likely will be a major challenge to your practice. It is the Society’s goal to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, actionable resources, and tools.
Currently, we are working with the medical association community and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help implement the significant changes that have been made to the healthcare system. We also are working internally to analyze and understand the reform to assist you in the best way possible. For example, HRS established a MACRA workgroup made up of members to assess the impact of the MACRA rule continually and to identify how to maximize potential Medicare payments.
Several MACRA-related initiatives being led by the Society include
Recent Events
Think Tank: On February 24-25, the Society hosted a MACRA Think Tank where the workgroup and several other EP leaders discussed MACRA’s impact specifically on heart rhythm care. The participants identified key educational topics and content that is needed to assist EPs in navigating the significant change. As a result of the Think Tank, the group is now working on a white paper that will outline the details of arrhythmia care in a value-based environment.
Coming Up
Town Hall: We hope that you will join us at Scientific Sessions where we are hosting: “Holy MACRA! A Town Hall on How Medicare Payment Reform is Impacting EP Practice.” The session will discuss how the Society is working to improve the regulation and maximize opportunities for bonus payments. It will also be an opportunity to share your experience under the new system and ask questions. The Town Hall will take place on Friday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 180.
Ongoing
MACRA Resource Center: Materials are available to you, including information on the new EP Cardiac Specialist Measure Set and two complimentary webinars: “The MACRA Final Rule: A 2017 Primer for Electrophysiologists ” and “Preparing for the New MACRA, Medicare MIPS & APM Payment Update ”. HRS will continue to update the resource center with new information as it becomes available.
We are working diligently to make this transition as seamless as possible so that you can focus on your practice and taking care of patients. We hope you find these resources helpful and we will continue to keep you informed as we navigate the changes to the healthcare environment.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Gold, MD, PhD, FHRS
President
Heart Rhythm Society