News from AGA

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.

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].
 

[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].
 

[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].
 

[email protected]

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.
 

[email protected]

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.
 

[email protected]

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.
 

[email protected]

Round out 2016 by preparing for a 2017 AGA Research Foundation grant. Eight grants are currently open for both established and young investigators, but all will close in January 2017. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your application before the deadline.

Complete information about these and other research awards is available on gastro.org. All recipients will be acknowledged at the Research Recognition Celebration at Digestive Disease Week® 2017 (www.ddw.org) in Chicago, IL.

Jan 6. 2017

• The AGA-Elsevier Gut Microbiome Pilot Research Award will provide $25,000 to support pilot research projects pertaining to the gut microbiome.
• The AGA-Elsevier Pilot Research Award is a 1-year grant providing young investigators, instructors, research associates, or equivalents $25,000 to support pilot research projects in gastroenterology- or hepatology-related areas.
• The AGA-Medtronic Research & Development Pilot Award in Technology grants $31,000 for 1 year to investigators to support the research and development of novel devices or technologies that will potentially impact the diagnosis or treatment of digestive disease.

Jan. 13, 2017

• The AGA-Rome Foundation Functional GI and Motility Disorders Pilot Research Award offers $50,000 for 1 year to early-stage investigators, established investigators, postdoctoral research fellows and combined research and clinical fellows to support pilot research projects pertaining to functional GI and motility disorders.
• The AGA Microbiome Junior Investigator Research Award is a 2-year award of $60,000 for junior investigators engaged in basic, translational, clinical, or health services research related to the gut microbiome.
• The AGA-Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a 1-year, $30,000 award offered to established and young investigators to support pilot research projects related to IBD.

Jan. 20, 2017

• The AGA-June & Donald O. Castell, MD, Esophageal Clinical Research Award is a 1-year, $25,000 grant that provides research or salary support for junior faculty involved in clinical research in esophageal diseases.
• The AGA-Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer is a 1-year, $40,000 award designed to support a young investigator, instructor, research associate or equivalent who currently holds a federal or nonfederal career development award devoted to conducting research related to digestive cancer.

Round out 2016 by preparing for a 2017 AGA Research Foundation grant. Eight grants are currently open for both established and young investigators, but all will close in January 2017. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your application before the deadline.

Complete information about these and other research awards is available on gastro.org. All recipients will be acknowledged at the Research Recognition Celebration at Digestive Disease Week® 2017 (www.ddw.org) in Chicago, IL.

Jan 6. 2017

• The AGA-Elsevier Gut Microbiome Pilot Research Award will provide $25,000 to support pilot research projects pertaining to the gut microbiome.
• The AGA-Elsevier Pilot Research Award is a 1-year grant providing young investigators, instructors, research associates, or equivalents $25,000 to support pilot research projects in gastroenterology- or hepatology-related areas.
• The AGA-Medtronic Research & Development Pilot Award in Technology grants $31,000 for 1 year to investigators to support the research and development of novel devices or technologies that will potentially impact the diagnosis or treatment of digestive disease.

Jan. 13, 2017

• The AGA-Rome Foundation Functional GI and Motility Disorders Pilot Research Award offers $50,000 for 1 year to early-stage investigators, established investigators, postdoctoral research fellows and combined research and clinical fellows to support pilot research projects pertaining to functional GI and motility disorders.
• The AGA Microbiome Junior Investigator Research Award is a 2-year award of $60,000 for junior investigators engaged in basic, translational, clinical, or health services research related to the gut microbiome.
• The AGA-Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a 1-year, $30,000 award offered to established and young investigators to support pilot research projects related to IBD.

Jan. 20, 2017

• The AGA-June & Donald O. Castell, MD, Esophageal Clinical Research Award is a 1-year, $25,000 grant that provides research or salary support for junior faculty involved in clinical research in esophageal diseases.
• The AGA-Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer is a 1-year, $40,000 award designed to support a young investigator, instructor, research associate or equivalent who currently holds a federal or nonfederal career development award devoted to conducting research related to digestive cancer.

Round out 2016 by preparing for a 2017 AGA Research Foundation grant. Eight grants are currently open for both established and young investigators, but all will close in January 2017. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your application before the deadline.

Complete information about these and other research awards is available on gastro.org. All recipients will be acknowledged at the Research Recognition Celebration at Digestive Disease Week® 2017 (www.ddw.org) in Chicago, IL.

Jan 6. 2017

• The AGA-Elsevier Gut Microbiome Pilot Research Award will provide $25,000 to support pilot research projects pertaining to the gut microbiome.
• The AGA-Elsevier Pilot Research Award is a 1-year grant providing young investigators, instructors, research associates, or equivalents $25,000 to support pilot research projects in gastroenterology- or hepatology-related areas.
• The AGA-Medtronic Research & Development Pilot Award in Technology grants $31,000 for 1 year to investigators to support the research and development of novel devices or technologies that will potentially impact the diagnosis or treatment of digestive disease.

Jan. 13, 2017

• The AGA-Rome Foundation Functional GI and Motility Disorders Pilot Research Award offers $50,000 for 1 year to early-stage investigators, established investigators, postdoctoral research fellows and combined research and clinical fellows to support pilot research projects pertaining to functional GI and motility disorders.
• The AGA Microbiome Junior Investigator Research Award is a 2-year award of $60,000 for junior investigators engaged in basic, translational, clinical, or health services research related to the gut microbiome.
• The AGA-Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a 1-year, $30,000 award offered to established and young investigators to support pilot research projects related to IBD.

Jan. 20, 2017

• The AGA-June & Donald O. Castell, MD, Esophageal Clinical Research Award is a 1-year, $25,000 grant that provides research or salary support for junior faculty involved in clinical research in esophageal diseases.
• The AGA-Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer is a 1-year, $40,000 award designed to support a young investigator, instructor, research associate or equivalent who currently holds a federal or nonfederal career development award devoted to conducting research related to digestive cancer.

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the work of our mission through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit:

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
• A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research, which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A gift of $50,000 or more in your will qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.
• Named DDW Sessions. A named DDW session is established with a minimum gift of $125,000 over the course of 5 years or through an irrevocable planned gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a named session. Donors will be eligible for naming recognition of a DDW AGA Institute Council session for 10 years. A gift at that level will qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.

Your next step

An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.gastro.org/contribute or contact Harmony Excellent at 301-272-1602 or [email protected].

[email protected]

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the work of our mission through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit:

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
• A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research, which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A gift of $50,000 or more in your will qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.
• Named DDW Sessions. A named DDW session is established with a minimum gift of $125,000 over the course of 5 years or through an irrevocable planned gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a named session. Donors will be eligible for naming recognition of a DDW AGA Institute Council session for 10 years. A gift at that level will qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.

Your next step

An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.gastro.org/contribute or contact Harmony Excellent at 301-272-1602 or [email protected].

[email protected]

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the work of our mission through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit:

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
• A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research, which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A gift of $50,000 or more in your will qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.
• Named DDW Sessions. A named DDW session is established with a minimum gift of $125,000 over the course of 5 years or through an irrevocable planned gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a named session. Donors will be eligible for naming recognition of a DDW AGA Institute Council session for 10 years. A gift at that level will qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.

Your next step

An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.gastro.org/contribute or contact Harmony Excellent at 301-272-1602 or [email protected].

[email protected]

AGA leaders in their respective fields attended the recent UEG Week in Vienna, Austria. There was a record attendance of 13,300 with delegates from around the world. AGA members were highlighted in the “Best of Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW)” session, which saw more than 1,000 attendees.

AGA President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF, co-chaired the session along with UEG President Michael P. Manns, MD. Other AGA speakers included:

• C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF: GI Oncology

• Robert J. Fontana, MD: Liver

• Stuart J. Spechler, MD, AGAF: Esophagus and Upper GI

• Santhi Swaroop Vege, MD, AGAF: Pancreatic Disorders

AGA Education and Training Councillor Deborah D. Proctor, MD: IBD

Additionally, in the “Rising Stars from Europe and the USA” session – co-chaired by Dr. Proctor and UEG Representative Luigi Riccardiello, MD – AGA Research Scholar Award holder Kyle Staller, MD, and UEG Rising Star 2016 Mira Wouters, MD, of Belgium discussed their latest research into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dr. Staller spoke about his ongoing research identifying adolescent dietary and lifestyle risk factors that play a role in the development of IBS in adulthood, potentially identifying adolescents at risk for IBS to be targeted for lifestyle interventions.

AGA leaders in their respective fields attended the recent UEG Week in Vienna, Austria. There was a record attendance of 13,300 with delegates from around the world. AGA members were highlighted in the “Best of Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW)” session, which saw more than 1,000 attendees.

AGA President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF, co-chaired the session along with UEG President Michael P. Manns, MD. Other AGA speakers included:

• C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF: GI Oncology

• Robert J. Fontana, MD: Liver

• Stuart J. Spechler, MD, AGAF: Esophagus and Upper GI

• Santhi Swaroop Vege, MD, AGAF: Pancreatic Disorders

AGA Education and Training Councillor Deborah D. Proctor, MD: IBD

Additionally, in the “Rising Stars from Europe and the USA” session – co-chaired by Dr. Proctor and UEG Representative Luigi Riccardiello, MD – AGA Research Scholar Award holder Kyle Staller, MD, and UEG Rising Star 2016 Mira Wouters, MD, of Belgium discussed their latest research into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dr. Staller spoke about his ongoing research identifying adolescent dietary and lifestyle risk factors that play a role in the development of IBS in adulthood, potentially identifying adolescents at risk for IBS to be targeted for lifestyle interventions.

AGA leaders in their respective fields attended the recent UEG Week in Vienna, Austria. There was a record attendance of 13,300 with delegates from around the world. AGA members were highlighted in the “Best of Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW)” session, which saw more than 1,000 attendees.

AGA President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF, co-chaired the session along with UEG President Michael P. Manns, MD. Other AGA speakers included:

• C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF: GI Oncology

• Robert J. Fontana, MD: Liver

• Stuart J. Spechler, MD, AGAF: Esophagus and Upper GI

• Santhi Swaroop Vege, MD, AGAF: Pancreatic Disorders

AGA Education and Training Councillor Deborah D. Proctor, MD: IBD

Additionally, in the “Rising Stars from Europe and the USA” session – co-chaired by Dr. Proctor and UEG Representative Luigi Riccardiello, MD – AGA Research Scholar Award holder Kyle Staller, MD, and UEG Rising Star 2016 Mira Wouters, MD, of Belgium discussed their latest research into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dr. Staller spoke about his ongoing research identifying adolescent dietary and lifestyle risk factors that play a role in the development of IBS in adulthood, potentially identifying adolescents at risk for IBS to be targeted for lifestyle interventions.

A letter from Dr. Robert S. Sandler, MPH, AGAF, Chair of the AGA Research Foundation

At a time when we are on the brink of major scientific breakthroughs, there is a growing gap in federal funding for research. Without gastroenterology and hepatology research, there would be no discoveries to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of digestive diseases and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

As a member of the AGA, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial costs of digestive diseases. And you understand the tremendous value of research to advance patient care.

Three easy ways to give

Online: www.gastro.org/donateonline

Through the mail:

AGA Research Foundation

4930 Del Ray Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

By phone: 301-222-4002

All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of U.S. law.

A letter from Dr. Robert S. Sandler, MPH, AGAF, Chair of the AGA Research Foundation

At a time when we are on the brink of major scientific breakthroughs, there is a growing gap in federal funding for research. Without gastroenterology and hepatology research, there would be no discoveries to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of digestive diseases and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

As a member of the AGA, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial costs of digestive diseases. And you understand the tremendous value of research to advance patient care.

Three easy ways to give

Online: www.gastro.org/donateonline

Through the mail:

AGA Research Foundation

4930 Del Ray Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

By phone: 301-222-4002

All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of U.S. law.

A letter from Dr. Robert S. Sandler, MPH, AGAF, Chair of the AGA Research Foundation

At a time when we are on the brink of major scientific breakthroughs, there is a growing gap in federal funding for research. Without gastroenterology and hepatology research, there would be no discoveries to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of digestive diseases and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

As a member of the AGA, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial costs of digestive diseases. And you understand the tremendous value of research to advance patient care.

Three easy ways to give

Online: www.gastro.org/donateonline

Through the mail:

AGA Research Foundation

4930 Del Ray Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

By phone: 301-222-4002

All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of U.S. law.

This October, CMS released the final rule implementing the provisions of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). AGA is reviewing the 2,398-page regulation and will release a summary of key provisions impacting gastroenterologists in the coming weeks.

• When do changes take effect? Services provided beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, will directly impact reimbursement provided in 2019, the first year in which the MIPS program and APMs are effective.

• What should I do right now? AGA’s MACRA resource center (www.gastro.org/MACRA) provides customized advice based on your practice situation.

• What’s next? Over the coming weeks and months, we will provide detailed information and resources to help practices prepare for the upcoming policy and delivery changes.

Join AGA for our upcoming MACRA webinar series to hear from experts about how MACRA will affect you and your practice. Stay tuned for more information about dates and time. Keep reading below for an overview of the final rule and how it will affect your practice.
 

Final rule overview

• MACRA implementation will not be delayed. The first performance period begins Jan. 1, 2017, which CMS describes as a “transition year.” However, the final rule provides additional details on CMS’ plan to allow physicians to pick their pace of participation under MIPS (see below).

• Merit-based Incentive Programs (MIPS). CMS lowered the cost performance category to 0% in the 2017 transition period and gave clinicians three reporting options under MIPS and one under Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs).

• Option one: Report to MIPS for a full 90-day period or full year on quality, clinical performance improvement activities (CPIA), and advancing care (EHR), and maximize the chance to qualify for positive payment adjustments.

• Option two: Report less than a year, but for the full 90-day period on one quality measure, more than one CPIA, or more than the required measures in advancing care information to avoid penalties and receive a possible positive update.

• Option three: Report one quality measure, one CPIA, or report measures of advancing care to avoid penalty.

• Option four: Join an Advanced APM (see below).

Bottom line: If you do not report at least some data in 2017, you will be penalized.

This October, CMS released the final rule implementing the provisions of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). AGA is reviewing the 2,398-page regulation and will release a summary of key provisions impacting gastroenterologists in the coming weeks.

• When do changes take effect? Services provided beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, will directly impact reimbursement provided in 2019, the first year in which the MIPS program and APMs are effective.

• What should I do right now? AGA’s MACRA resource center (www.gastro.org/MACRA) provides customized advice based on your practice situation.

• What’s next? Over the coming weeks and months, we will provide detailed information and resources to help practices prepare for the upcoming policy and delivery changes.

Join AGA for our upcoming MACRA webinar series to hear from experts about how MACRA will affect you and your practice. Stay tuned for more information about dates and time. Keep reading below for an overview of the final rule and how it will affect your practice.
 

Final rule overview

• MACRA implementation will not be delayed. The first performance period begins Jan. 1, 2017, which CMS describes as a “transition year.” However, the final rule provides additional details on CMS’ plan to allow physicians to pick their pace of participation under MIPS (see below).

• Merit-based Incentive Programs (MIPS). CMS lowered the cost performance category to 0% in the 2017 transition period and gave clinicians three reporting options under MIPS and one under Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs).

• Option one: Report to MIPS for a full 90-day period or full year on quality, clinical performance improvement activities (CPIA), and advancing care (EHR), and maximize the chance to qualify for positive payment adjustments.

• Option two: Report less than a year, but for the full 90-day period on one quality measure, more than one CPIA, or more than the required measures in advancing care information to avoid penalties and receive a possible positive update.

• Option three: Report one quality measure, one CPIA, or report measures of advancing care to avoid penalty.

• Option four: Join an Advanced APM (see below).

Bottom line: If you do not report at least some data in 2017, you will be penalized.

This October, CMS released the final rule implementing the provisions of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). AGA is reviewing the 2,398-page regulation and will release a summary of key provisions impacting gastroenterologists in the coming weeks.

• When do changes take effect? Services provided beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, will directly impact reimbursement provided in 2019, the first year in which the MIPS program and APMs are effective.

• What should I do right now? AGA’s MACRA resource center (www.gastro.org/MACRA) provides customized advice based on your practice situation.

• What’s next? Over the coming weeks and months, we will provide detailed information and resources to help practices prepare for the upcoming policy and delivery changes.

Join AGA for our upcoming MACRA webinar series to hear from experts about how MACRA will affect you and your practice. Stay tuned for more information about dates and time. Keep reading below for an overview of the final rule and how it will affect your practice.
 

Final rule overview

• MACRA implementation will not be delayed. The first performance period begins Jan. 1, 2017, which CMS describes as a “transition year.” However, the final rule provides additional details on CMS’ plan to allow physicians to pick their pace of participation under MIPS (see below).

• Merit-based Incentive Programs (MIPS). CMS lowered the cost performance category to 0% in the 2017 transition period and gave clinicians three reporting options under MIPS and one under Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs).

• Option one: Report to MIPS for a full 90-day period or full year on quality, clinical performance improvement activities (CPIA), and advancing care (EHR), and maximize the chance to qualify for positive payment adjustments.

• Option two: Report less than a year, but for the full 90-day period on one quality measure, more than one CPIA, or more than the required measures in advancing care information to avoid penalties and receive a possible positive update.

• Option three: Report one quality measure, one CPIA, or report measures of advancing care to avoid penalty.

• Option four: Join an Advanced APM (see below).

Bottom line: If you do not report at least some data in 2017, you will be penalized.

AGA’s gold-standard guidelines, clinical support tools, podcasts, and videos are now available for download via the AGA Clinical Guidelines App, part of AGA’s App Central (http://www.gastro.org/on-demand/aga-app-central). The AGA Clinical Guidelines App offers a quick snapshot of key recommendations, and allows you to input information in a step-by-step format to help you make the most informed decisions possible.

You can even take notes and bookmark information for future reference and quicker decision making.

Only the highest-quality scientific evidence is used to develop AGA’s guidelines. The app currently offers guidelines on:

• Hepatitis B Reactivation.

• Drug Therapy for Crohn’s.

• Constipation.

• IBS Drug Management.

• Colonoscopy after Polypectomy.

• Pancreatic Cysts.

Download the the AGA Clinical Guidelines App and AGA App Central on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

AGA’s gold-standard guidelines, clinical support tools, podcasts, and videos are now available for download via the AGA Clinical Guidelines App, part of AGA’s App Central (http://www.gastro.org/on-demand/aga-app-central). The AGA Clinical Guidelines App offers a quick snapshot of key recommendations, and allows you to input information in a step-by-step format to help you make the most informed decisions possible.

You can even take notes and bookmark information for future reference and quicker decision making.

Only the highest-quality scientific evidence is used to develop AGA’s guidelines. The app currently offers guidelines on:

• Hepatitis B Reactivation.

• Drug Therapy for Crohn’s.

• Constipation.

• IBS Drug Management.

• Colonoscopy after Polypectomy.

• Pancreatic Cysts.

Download the the AGA Clinical Guidelines App and AGA App Central on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

AGA’s gold-standard guidelines, clinical support tools, podcasts, and videos are now available for download via the AGA Clinical Guidelines App, part of AGA’s App Central (http://www.gastro.org/on-demand/aga-app-central). The AGA Clinical Guidelines App offers a quick snapshot of key recommendations, and allows you to input information in a step-by-step format to help you make the most informed decisions possible.

You can even take notes and bookmark information for future reference and quicker decision making.

Only the highest-quality scientific evidence is used to develop AGA’s guidelines. The app currently offers guidelines on:

• Hepatitis B Reactivation.

• Drug Therapy for Crohn’s.

• Constipation.

• IBS Drug Management.

• Colonoscopy after Polypectomy.

• Pancreatic Cysts.

Download the the AGA Clinical Guidelines App and AGA App Central on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

AGA has expanded the Patient INFO Center with a new resource that covers the common questions from patients with IBD who are looking to conceive. This easy-to-access and easy-to-read fact sheet covers frequently asked questions from both women and men, and includes information on staying on medications while trying to get pregnant, precautions pregnant women should be aware of, and much more.

The resource guide was written with Sunanda V. Kane, MD, from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. View, download, print, or share the IBD & Pregnancy FAQ fact sheet with your IBD patients today.

Visit the Patient INFO Center for all patient education on IBD and more.

AGA has expanded the Patient INFO Center with a new resource that covers the common questions from patients with IBD who are looking to conceive. This easy-to-access and easy-to-read fact sheet covers frequently asked questions from both women and men, and includes information on staying on medications while trying to get pregnant, precautions pregnant women should be aware of, and much more.

The resource guide was written with Sunanda V. Kane, MD, from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. View, download, print, or share the IBD & Pregnancy FAQ fact sheet with your IBD patients today.

Visit the Patient INFO Center for all patient education on IBD and more.

AGA has expanded the Patient INFO Center with a new resource that covers the common questions from patients with IBD who are looking to conceive. This easy-to-access and easy-to-read fact sheet covers frequently asked questions from both women and men, and includes information on staying on medications while trying to get pregnant, precautions pregnant women should be aware of, and much more.

The resource guide was written with Sunanda V. Kane, MD, from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. View, download, print, or share the IBD & Pregnancy FAQ fact sheet with your IBD patients today.

Visit the Patient INFO Center for all patient education on IBD and more.