You know all the hype and anxiety surrounding certain changes coming to the EHR incentive programs next year? Well, everyone can let out one big exhale because Andy Slavitt might have just answered all of your prayers.
“We understand new rules require adjustment and preparation.” -Slavitt
Yesterday, the CMS Acting Administrator told the Senate Finance Committee that the agency is considering delaying the start date for MACRA which is set to start Jan 1, 2017. This possible delay follows many complaints regarding the negative impact this will have on small practices, as well as every other provider that depends on Medicare reimbursement to stay in practice.
This delay has also been supported by numerous medical associations across the county. The major players include the AMA, AAFP and MMA.
So what is he suggesting instead?
He spoke about the possibility of shorter reporting periods, alternative start dates and even allowing “trail” period with the next measures before they feel the impact of payment adjustments.
He even mentioned the possibility of different data gathering methods. There is a strong possibility that we will be moving away from the reporting method and towards automatic data feeds.
As for the changes to the reimbursement methods, Slavitt suggested higher rates of reimbursement for chronic patients and those seeking advanced care directives. The agency is trying to get away from “paying physicians to run tests and prescribe medicines,” he said.
Sounds like the ray of sunshine we needed on the changes that were set to take place next year. Now, we can only hope these proposed changes/delays will actually happen instead of everyone just talking about them.
