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MACRA is not going away: Will you be ready?
Despite potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and commitment to cost-effective, value-based care is here to stay.
Congress overwhelmingly passed MACRA legislation with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress to overhaul the way physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. MACRA will eventually transition physicians toward more value-based payments. Ignore MACRA in 2017, and you will face an automatic reduction of 4% to your payments under Medicare in 2019.
You should take advantage of 2017 being a transition year during which time you can pick your pace for participation to help you increase your earning potential. If you are already reporting to the 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), you will be familiar with some of the 2017 participation options that could qualify you for a reimbursement incentive in 2019 under MACRA.
If you have not participated in PQRS in 2016 or previous years, you need to start gathering information for your practice to begin reporting through one of the new MACRA 2017 reporting options by Oct. 2, 2017. Quality accounts for the highest percentage of your score and will help you maximize your potential for a positive adjustment.
AGA can help – check out our MACRA resources at gastro.org/MACRA and on the AGA Community.
Despite potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and commitment to cost-effective, value-based care is here to stay.
Congress overwhelmingly passed MACRA legislation with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress to overhaul the way physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. MACRA will eventually transition physicians toward more value-based payments. Ignore MACRA in 2017, and you will face an automatic reduction of 4% to your payments under Medicare in 2019.
You should take advantage of 2017 being a transition year during which time you can pick your pace for participation to help you increase your earning potential. If you are already reporting to the 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), you will be familiar with some of the 2017 participation options that could qualify you for a reimbursement incentive in 2019 under MACRA.
If you have not participated in PQRS in 2016 or previous years, you need to start gathering information for your practice to begin reporting through one of the new MACRA 2017 reporting options by Oct. 2, 2017. Quality accounts for the highest percentage of your score and will help you maximize your potential for a positive adjustment.
AGA can help – check out our MACRA resources at gastro.org/MACRA and on the AGA Community.
Despite potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and commitment to cost-effective, value-based care is here to stay.
Congress overwhelmingly passed MACRA legislation with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress to overhaul the way physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. MACRA will eventually transition physicians toward more value-based payments. Ignore MACRA in 2017, and you will face an automatic reduction of 4% to your payments under Medicare in 2019.
You should take advantage of 2017 being a transition year during which time you can pick your pace for participation to help you increase your earning potential. If you are already reporting to the 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), you will be familiar with some of the 2017 participation options that could qualify you for a reimbursement incentive in 2019 under MACRA.
If you have not participated in PQRS in 2016 or previous years, you need to start gathering information for your practice to begin reporting through one of the new MACRA 2017 reporting options by Oct. 2, 2017. Quality accounts for the highest percentage of your score and will help you maximize your potential for a positive adjustment.
AGA can help – check out our MACRA resources at gastro.org/MACRA and on the AGA Community.
Earn credit while reading AGA journal articles
Now you can read some of your favorite AGA journal articles and receive maintenance of certification (MOC) credit at the same time.
Each issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH)and Gastroenterology includes continuing medical education (CME) exams designated for potential CME, and now MOC as well. The exams, which are available to subscribers, are based on an article from that issue and consist of a single test with short questions, followed by a brief post-test evaluation.
AGA designates certain journal-based CME activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Successful completion of these CME activities, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to one MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) MOC program. As AGA works to reform the MOC system, we recognize that many members need to earn points in the current system. Eligible participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.
For more information about logging in and participating, visit the journal sites.
Ready to get started? The March exams for both CGH and Gastroenterology are now available online. You can also access past exams from each publication, but keep in mind that credit can only be earned for up to 1 year after the exam has been published.
Now you can read some of your favorite AGA journal articles and receive maintenance of certification (MOC) credit at the same time.
Each issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH)and Gastroenterology includes continuing medical education (CME) exams designated for potential CME, and now MOC as well. The exams, which are available to subscribers, are based on an article from that issue and consist of a single test with short questions, followed by a brief post-test evaluation.
AGA designates certain journal-based CME activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Successful completion of these CME activities, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to one MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) MOC program. As AGA works to reform the MOC system, we recognize that many members need to earn points in the current system. Eligible participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.
For more information about logging in and participating, visit the journal sites.
Ready to get started? The March exams for both CGH and Gastroenterology are now available online. You can also access past exams from each publication, but keep in mind that credit can only be earned for up to 1 year after the exam has been published.
Now you can read some of your favorite AGA journal articles and receive maintenance of certification (MOC) credit at the same time.
Each issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH)and Gastroenterology includes continuing medical education (CME) exams designated for potential CME, and now MOC as well. The exams, which are available to subscribers, are based on an article from that issue and consist of a single test with short questions, followed by a brief post-test evaluation.
AGA designates certain journal-based CME activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Successful completion of these CME activities, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to one MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) MOC program. As AGA works to reform the MOC system, we recognize that many members need to earn points in the current system. Eligible participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.
For more information about logging in and participating, visit the journal sites.
Ready to get started? The March exams for both CGH and Gastroenterology are now available online. You can also access past exams from each publication, but keep in mind that credit can only be earned for up to 1 year after the exam has been published.
AGA statement on U.S. travel ban
In early February, AGA released the following statement on the U.S. travel ban:
Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why AGA is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care, and impair medical training.
AGA is committed to diversity, which includes race, ethnicity, and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the United States built today’s practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week.® This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.
In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals, and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America’s leadership role in advancing health care and to the standing of the U.S. within the international community.
“Know that the policies of AGA’s home country in no way reflect our position as an organization, and we continue to welcome and support physicians and investigators from all nations,” said AGA Institute President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF. “We understand the impact that the recent ban has had on many, and apologize for any hurt or disruption it may have caused in your lives or careers.”
To better advocate on behalf of international members and patients, Dr. Wang invites members to the AGA Community, either publicly or anonymously, to share your stories about how a travel ban could affect your patients, practice, academic center, training program, or lab.
For more updates, please visit gastro.org.
In early February, AGA released the following statement on the U.S. travel ban:
Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why AGA is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care, and impair medical training.
AGA is committed to diversity, which includes race, ethnicity, and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the United States built today’s practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week.® This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.
In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals, and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America’s leadership role in advancing health care and to the standing of the U.S. within the international community.
“Know that the policies of AGA’s home country in no way reflect our position as an organization, and we continue to welcome and support physicians and investigators from all nations,” said AGA Institute President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF. “We understand the impact that the recent ban has had on many, and apologize for any hurt or disruption it may have caused in your lives or careers.”
To better advocate on behalf of international members and patients, Dr. Wang invites members to the AGA Community, either publicly or anonymously, to share your stories about how a travel ban could affect your patients, practice, academic center, training program, or lab.
For more updates, please visit gastro.org.
In early February, AGA released the following statement on the U.S. travel ban:
Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why AGA is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care, and impair medical training.
AGA is committed to diversity, which includes race, ethnicity, and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the United States built today’s practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week.® This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.
In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals, and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America’s leadership role in advancing health care and to the standing of the U.S. within the international community.
“Know that the policies of AGA’s home country in no way reflect our position as an organization, and we continue to welcome and support physicians and investigators from all nations,” said AGA Institute President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF. “We understand the impact that the recent ban has had on many, and apologize for any hurt or disruption it may have caused in your lives or careers.”
To better advocate on behalf of international members and patients, Dr. Wang invites members to the AGA Community, either publicly or anonymously, to share your stories about how a travel ban could affect your patients, practice, academic center, training program, or lab.
For more updates, please visit gastro.org.
Join AGA in Supporting GI Research
Decades of research have revolutionized the care of many digestive disease patients. These patients, as well as everyone in the GI field, clinicians and researchers alike, have benefited from the discoveries of dedicated investigators, past and present. As the charitable arm of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the AGA Research Foundation contributes to this tradition of discovery to combat the continued lower quality of life and suffering brought on by digestive diseases.
“Using this award, I plan to study the cytoskeletal intermediate filament proteins that are expressed in digestive-type epithelia, allowing me to better understand the molecular basis of GI diseases. My goal is to create a career in medical research and develop more ways to make biomedical research meaningful for clinical health-care professionals, and ultimately for patients,” said Rani Richardson, the 2016 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award Recipient.
By joining others in donating to the AGA Research Foundation, you can help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators.
Help provide critical funding to young researchers today by making a donation to the AGA Research Foundation on the foundation’s website at www.gastro.org/contribute or by mail to 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Decades of research have revolutionized the care of many digestive disease patients. These patients, as well as everyone in the GI field, clinicians and researchers alike, have benefited from the discoveries of dedicated investigators, past and present. As the charitable arm of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the AGA Research Foundation contributes to this tradition of discovery to combat the continued lower quality of life and suffering brought on by digestive diseases.
“Using this award, I plan to study the cytoskeletal intermediate filament proteins that are expressed in digestive-type epithelia, allowing me to better understand the molecular basis of GI diseases. My goal is to create a career in medical research and develop more ways to make biomedical research meaningful for clinical health-care professionals, and ultimately for patients,” said Rani Richardson, the 2016 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award Recipient.
By joining others in donating to the AGA Research Foundation, you can help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators.
Help provide critical funding to young researchers today by making a donation to the AGA Research Foundation on the foundation’s website at www.gastro.org/contribute or by mail to 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Decades of research have revolutionized the care of many digestive disease patients. These patients, as well as everyone in the GI field, clinicians and researchers alike, have benefited from the discoveries of dedicated investigators, past and present. As the charitable arm of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the AGA Research Foundation contributes to this tradition of discovery to combat the continued lower quality of life and suffering brought on by digestive diseases.
“Using this award, I plan to study the cytoskeletal intermediate filament proteins that are expressed in digestive-type epithelia, allowing me to better understand the molecular basis of GI diseases. My goal is to create a career in medical research and develop more ways to make biomedical research meaningful for clinical health-care professionals, and ultimately for patients,” said Rani Richardson, the 2016 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award Recipient.
By joining others in donating to the AGA Research Foundation, you can help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators.
Help provide critical funding to young researchers today by making a donation to the AGA Research Foundation on the foundation’s website at www.gastro.org/contribute or by mail to 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.
AGA comment on ABIM announcement
For more than a year, AGA has pushed the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to eliminate high-stakes testing and reform the maintenance of certification (MOC) system into one that’s personalized and reflective of the realities of practice.
ABIM’s listening tour is over. In December 2016, they announced the addition of an option for a 2-year “knowledge check-in.” Although ABIM can point to nominal progress by making the assessment available outside its testing centers, they have not addressed cost, personalization, or the impact on patient care of such assessments.
Despite AGA’s diligent efforts to co-create a new MOC process – which included creating G-APP, constant communication, and participation in numerous summits – ABIM deemed AGA’s approach to be inconsistent with its own philosophy. Nonetheless, we are still in the midst of an evolution. AGA will continue to work with our sister GI and internal medicine societies to bring about change that supports meaningful lifelong learning through the least intrusive means possible.
In the meantime, if your professional situation requires you to maintain certification, please visit ABIM’s blog for more information. AGA tools such as the Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program® can help you prepare.
Visit http://www.gastro.org/career-center/maintenance-of-certification for the latest updates and information on MOC.
For more than a year, AGA has pushed the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to eliminate high-stakes testing and reform the maintenance of certification (MOC) system into one that’s personalized and reflective of the realities of practice.
ABIM’s listening tour is over. In December 2016, they announced the addition of an option for a 2-year “knowledge check-in.” Although ABIM can point to nominal progress by making the assessment available outside its testing centers, they have not addressed cost, personalization, or the impact on patient care of such assessments.
Despite AGA’s diligent efforts to co-create a new MOC process – which included creating G-APP, constant communication, and participation in numerous summits – ABIM deemed AGA’s approach to be inconsistent with its own philosophy. Nonetheless, we are still in the midst of an evolution. AGA will continue to work with our sister GI and internal medicine societies to bring about change that supports meaningful lifelong learning through the least intrusive means possible.
In the meantime, if your professional situation requires you to maintain certification, please visit ABIM’s blog for more information. AGA tools such as the Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program® can help you prepare.
Visit http://www.gastro.org/career-center/maintenance-of-certification for the latest updates and information on MOC.
For more than a year, AGA has pushed the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to eliminate high-stakes testing and reform the maintenance of certification (MOC) system into one that’s personalized and reflective of the realities of practice.
ABIM’s listening tour is over. In December 2016, they announced the addition of an option for a 2-year “knowledge check-in.” Although ABIM can point to nominal progress by making the assessment available outside its testing centers, they have not addressed cost, personalization, or the impact on patient care of such assessments.
Despite AGA’s diligent efforts to co-create a new MOC process – which included creating G-APP, constant communication, and participation in numerous summits – ABIM deemed AGA’s approach to be inconsistent with its own philosophy. Nonetheless, we are still in the midst of an evolution. AGA will continue to work with our sister GI and internal medicine societies to bring about change that supports meaningful lifelong learning through the least intrusive means possible.
In the meantime, if your professional situation requires you to maintain certification, please visit ABIM’s blog for more information. AGA tools such as the Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program® can help you prepare.
Visit http://www.gastro.org/career-center/maintenance-of-certification for the latest updates and information on MOC.
Access our MACRA resource collection
Prepare for 2017 with AGA’s Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) resources, which are available in the AGA Community resource library. This includes webinars, a tip sheet, and discussion threads.
The webinars and discussions in the community are available to members only, and contain information on the following topics:
- Intro to MACRA.
- 2016 PQRS Quality Reporting through the AGA Digestive Health Recognition Program (DHRP).
- Preparing for MIPS.
The materials were collected from a series of webinars and eQ&As in December, when topic experts presented a series of webinars on relevant MACRA protocols to help clinicians prepare for Medicare changes starting this year.
Each webinar preceded an Ask the Expert session in the AGA Community forum. Members brought their wide range of questions to the forum, including discussions about MACRA basics, as well as meticulous situation-based recording scenarios.
This members-only library can be accessed at community.gastro.org/MACRA. For more information, including a timeline, downloadable guides, and the latest MACRA news, visit gastro.org/MACRA.
Prepare for 2017 with AGA’s Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) resources, which are available in the AGA Community resource library. This includes webinars, a tip sheet, and discussion threads.
The webinars and discussions in the community are available to members only, and contain information on the following topics:
- Intro to MACRA.
- 2016 PQRS Quality Reporting through the AGA Digestive Health Recognition Program (DHRP).
- Preparing for MIPS.
The materials were collected from a series of webinars and eQ&As in December, when topic experts presented a series of webinars on relevant MACRA protocols to help clinicians prepare for Medicare changes starting this year.
Each webinar preceded an Ask the Expert session in the AGA Community forum. Members brought their wide range of questions to the forum, including discussions about MACRA basics, as well as meticulous situation-based recording scenarios.
This members-only library can be accessed at community.gastro.org/MACRA. For more information, including a timeline, downloadable guides, and the latest MACRA news, visit gastro.org/MACRA.
Prepare for 2017 with AGA’s Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) resources, which are available in the AGA Community resource library. This includes webinars, a tip sheet, and discussion threads.
The webinars and discussions in the community are available to members only, and contain information on the following topics:
- Intro to MACRA.
- 2016 PQRS Quality Reporting through the AGA Digestive Health Recognition Program (DHRP).
- Preparing for MIPS.
The materials were collected from a series of webinars and eQ&As in December, when topic experts presented a series of webinars on relevant MACRA protocols to help clinicians prepare for Medicare changes starting this year.
Each webinar preceded an Ask the Expert session in the AGA Community forum. Members brought their wide range of questions to the forum, including discussions about MACRA basics, as well as meticulous situation-based recording scenarios.
This members-only library can be accessed at community.gastro.org/MACRA. For more information, including a timeline, downloadable guides, and the latest MACRA news, visit gastro.org/MACRA.
Register for DDW® before the early-bird deadline
Registration for AGA members opened Jan. 11, and general registration opened on Jan. 18. Register by March 22 to save at least $80; registration is complimentary up until this date for member trainees, students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Why attend DDW?
DDW is the world’s leading educational forum for academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, and trainees working in gastroenterology, hepatology, GI endoscopy, gastrointestinal surgery, and related fields. Whether you work in patient care, research, education, or administration, the DDW program offers something for you.
For more information regarding why you should attend, what’s included in registration and more, visit www.ddw.org.
Registration for AGA members opened Jan. 11, and general registration opened on Jan. 18. Register by March 22 to save at least $80; registration is complimentary up until this date for member trainees, students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Why attend DDW?
DDW is the world’s leading educational forum for academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, and trainees working in gastroenterology, hepatology, GI endoscopy, gastrointestinal surgery, and related fields. Whether you work in patient care, research, education, or administration, the DDW program offers something for you.
For more information regarding why you should attend, what’s included in registration and more, visit www.ddw.org.
Registration for AGA members opened Jan. 11, and general registration opened on Jan. 18. Register by March 22 to save at least $80; registration is complimentary up until this date for member trainees, students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Why attend DDW?
DDW is the world’s leading educational forum for academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, and trainees working in gastroenterology, hepatology, GI endoscopy, gastrointestinal surgery, and related fields. Whether you work in patient care, research, education, or administration, the DDW program offers something for you.
For more information regarding why you should attend, what’s included in registration and more, visit www.ddw.org.
Annual AGA Tech Summit returns to Boston in 2017
AGA is excited to return to Boston for its eighth annual Tech Summit on April 12-14, 2017, at the InterContinental Hotel. We’ve assembled prominent individuals in the physician, medtech, and regulatory communities to lead attendees through a program that’s both informative and inspirational.
This is an ideal opportunity to explore critical elements impacting how GI technology evolves from concept to reality, including what it takes to obtain adoption, coverage, and reimbursement in a continually evolving health care environment.
We hope to see you this spring in Boston for a truly unique experience. Learn more and register at http://techsummit.gastro.org.
Have a novel idea or innovation? Apply for the AGA “Shark Tank”Calling all companies and entrepreneurs with an innovative technology or FDA-regulated product. If you are looking to get it financed, licensed, or distributed, you are encouraged to submit an application for an opportunity to present during the “Shark Tank” session at the 2017 AGA Tech Summit. A panel of business development leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners will provide valuable feedback.
AGA is excited to return to Boston for its eighth annual Tech Summit on April 12-14, 2017, at the InterContinental Hotel. We’ve assembled prominent individuals in the physician, medtech, and regulatory communities to lead attendees through a program that’s both informative and inspirational.
This is an ideal opportunity to explore critical elements impacting how GI technology evolves from concept to reality, including what it takes to obtain adoption, coverage, and reimbursement in a continually evolving health care environment.
We hope to see you this spring in Boston for a truly unique experience. Learn more and register at http://techsummit.gastro.org.
Have a novel idea or innovation? Apply for the AGA “Shark Tank”Calling all companies and entrepreneurs with an innovative technology or FDA-regulated product. If you are looking to get it financed, licensed, or distributed, you are encouraged to submit an application for an opportunity to present during the “Shark Tank” session at the 2017 AGA Tech Summit. A panel of business development leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners will provide valuable feedback.
AGA is excited to return to Boston for its eighth annual Tech Summit on April 12-14, 2017, at the InterContinental Hotel. We’ve assembled prominent individuals in the physician, medtech, and regulatory communities to lead attendees through a program that’s both informative and inspirational.
This is an ideal opportunity to explore critical elements impacting how GI technology evolves from concept to reality, including what it takes to obtain adoption, coverage, and reimbursement in a continually evolving health care environment.
We hope to see you this spring in Boston for a truly unique experience. Learn more and register at http://techsummit.gastro.org.
Have a novel idea or innovation? Apply for the AGA “Shark Tank”Calling all companies and entrepreneurs with an innovative technology or FDA-regulated product. If you are looking to get it financed, licensed, or distributed, you are encouraged to submit an application for an opportunity to present during the “Shark Tank” session at the 2017 AGA Tech Summit. A panel of business development leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners will provide valuable feedback.
AGA Patient INFO Center now offers gMed instructions
The Patient INFO Center, AGA’s digital library of patient education, continues to grow and expand. As new topics and educational resources are added, there are also opportunities to enhance the experience of using the library to better connect with patients.
In addition to electronic health record systems Athena, Cerner, and EPIC, you can now integrate AGA’s patient education materials into gMed. Based on member feedback and popular demand, AGA created instructions with gMed consultants and tested them with members to ensure accuracy and ease of use.
Check out the newly added gMed instructions and everything else the Patient INFO Center has to offer.
Have thoughts on the Patient INFO Center? Email [email protected].
The Patient INFO Center, AGA’s digital library of patient education, continues to grow and expand. As new topics and educational resources are added, there are also opportunities to enhance the experience of using the library to better connect with patients.
In addition to electronic health record systems Athena, Cerner, and EPIC, you can now integrate AGA’s patient education materials into gMed. Based on member feedback and popular demand, AGA created instructions with gMed consultants and tested them with members to ensure accuracy and ease of use.
Check out the newly added gMed instructions and everything else the Patient INFO Center has to offer.
Have thoughts on the Patient INFO Center? Email [email protected].
The Patient INFO Center, AGA’s digital library of patient education, continues to grow and expand. As new topics and educational resources are added, there are also opportunities to enhance the experience of using the library to better connect with patients.
In addition to electronic health record systems Athena, Cerner, and EPIC, you can now integrate AGA’s patient education materials into gMed. Based on member feedback and popular demand, AGA created instructions with gMed consultants and tested them with members to ensure accuracy and ease of use.
Check out the newly added gMed instructions and everything else the Patient INFO Center has to offer.
Have thoughts on the Patient INFO Center? Email [email protected].
Five tips to prepare for MACRA
As we start off 2017, you’re probably thinking about how to plan for the implementation of MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015), which begins Jan. 1. While the process might seem overwhelming, AGA is here to provide five steps that you can take to prepare yourself and your practice.
1. Meet 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) reporting requirements.
2. Review your practice’s Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) for 2015 and the first part of 2016. The QRUR will help you understand how you are currently being rated on cost and quality.
3. Watch your mail for a CMS letter alerting you if you’ll be considered a low-volume provider for 2017 under the Merit-based Incentive Program (MIPs) and exempt from MACRA in 2017.
4. Check Medicare Physician Compare, which will allow patients to compare providers in ways they haven’t been able to before. Brainstorm ways to improve patient communication and discover whether outside resources may need to be added to help patients stay healthy ... and happy.
5. Visit www.gastro.org/MACRA for prerecorded webinars and other AGA resources designed to help make MACRA implementation as seamless as possible.
To learn more about MACRA, visit www.gastro.org/MACRA.
As we start off 2017, you’re probably thinking about how to plan for the implementation of MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015), which begins Jan. 1. While the process might seem overwhelming, AGA is here to provide five steps that you can take to prepare yourself and your practice.
1. Meet 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) reporting requirements.
2. Review your practice’s Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) for 2015 and the first part of 2016. The QRUR will help you understand how you are currently being rated on cost and quality.
3. Watch your mail for a CMS letter alerting you if you’ll be considered a low-volume provider for 2017 under the Merit-based Incentive Program (MIPs) and exempt from MACRA in 2017.
4. Check Medicare Physician Compare, which will allow patients to compare providers in ways they haven’t been able to before. Brainstorm ways to improve patient communication and discover whether outside resources may need to be added to help patients stay healthy ... and happy.
5. Visit www.gastro.org/MACRA for prerecorded webinars and other AGA resources designed to help make MACRA implementation as seamless as possible.
To learn more about MACRA, visit www.gastro.org/MACRA.
As we start off 2017, you’re probably thinking about how to plan for the implementation of MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015), which begins Jan. 1. While the process might seem overwhelming, AGA is here to provide five steps that you can take to prepare yourself and your practice.
1. Meet 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) reporting requirements.
2. Review your practice’s Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) for 2015 and the first part of 2016. The QRUR will help you understand how you are currently being rated on cost and quality.
3. Watch your mail for a CMS letter alerting you if you’ll be considered a low-volume provider for 2017 under the Merit-based Incentive Program (MIPs) and exempt from MACRA in 2017.
4. Check Medicare Physician Compare, which will allow patients to compare providers in ways they haven’t been able to before. Brainstorm ways to improve patient communication and discover whether outside resources may need to be added to help patients stay healthy ... and happy.
5. Visit www.gastro.org/MACRA for prerecorded webinars and other AGA resources designed to help make MACRA implementation as seamless as possible.
To learn more about MACRA, visit www.gastro.org/MACRA.