Is Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Right for Your Practice?
Is Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Right for Your Practice?
The pursuit of patient-centered care is increasingly crucial in healthcare today. Practices are continually seeking ways to enhance the patient experience, improve outcomes, and streamline care delivery. One avenue gaining prominence in this quest is Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition. But is it the right fit for your practice? Let’s explore what PCMH recognition entails and the considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)
At its core, PCMH is a model of care delivery that emphasizes comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered care. Recognized by organizations such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), PCMH recognition signifies a commitment to excellence in primary care.
The key principles of PCMH include:
• Team Based Care
• Whole Person Care
• Accessible Services
• Care Coordination
• Patient Engagement
Is PCMH Recognition Right for Your Practice?
While PCMH offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for every practice. It takes a significant commitment to successfully pursue recognition.
Consider these factors when evaluating whether PCMH recognition aligns with your practice’s goals and capabilities:
Commitment to Transformation PCMH requires commitment to transforming your culture and operations. It involves ongoing improvement efforts, staff training, and patient engagement initiatives.
Patient Population Consider whether your patient population would benefit from the comprehensive, coordinated care approach offered by PCMH. Patients with complex medical needs, chronic conditions, or frequent interactions with your organization may derive significant value from PCMH practices.
Financial Considerations Assess the potential financial implications of pursuing PCMH recognition, including initial investment costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and potential reimbursement incentives from payers.
Alignment with Strategic Goals Evaluate how PCMH recognition aligns with your practice’s strategic goals, mission, and vision. Analyze if it will support your objectives to improve patient satisfaction, enhance care quality, and achieve better health outcomes.
Making an Informed Decision
The decision to pursue PCMH recognition should be based on a thorough assessment of your practice’s readiness, resources, and alignment with patient-centered care principles. A good next step in the process is to engage key stakeholders within your organization (including providers, staff, and patients), in discussions about the potential benefits and challenges of PCMH implementation.
Complete this Brief One Minute Survey to see if PCMH is right for you.
Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC with your questions and for further information. Call us at 859-323-3090.
QPP 2024 Webinar April 16: Data Completeness & Validation Processes
QPP 2024 Webinar: DATA COMPLETENESS & VALIDATION PROCESSES FOR QUALITY MEASURE OPTIMIZATION*
Tuesday APRIL 16, 2024 @ 12PM ET
CMS finalized several significant changes in the 2024 PFS Final Rule affecting eligible clinicians and groups reporting to the Quality Payment Program. One of those updates was the increase of the data completeness threshold from 70% to 75% effective beginning with the 2024 performance year.
This change, coupled with the challenges to maximize performance across all four performance categories to avoid negative payment adjustments, reinforces the importance of ensuring your data is accurate, reliable, and complete. This webinar will help you understand how to verify that your data is being captured correctly, learn the principles behind and importance of data validation, and how optimizing your reporting is the foundation of quality improvement.
Interested in becoming a QPP client? As a client, you receive exclusive access to our analysis of all aspects of the Quality Payment Program. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE.
Mark your calendars for “Data Completeness & Validation Processes for Quality Measure Optimization” on Tuesday, April 16 at 12pm EST.
Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC for all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We are here to help. Call us at 859-323-3090.
*This webinar is for Kentucky REC contracted QPP clients only. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about becoming a client, please contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!
CMS Reopens QPP EUC Application for 2023
CMS Reopens Quality Payment Program EUC Application for Program Year 23 Due to Cyberattack
CMS recently announced the reopening of the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Application due to a cyberattack impacting the revenue cycle & payment management platform, Change Healthcare Cyberattack, occurring in late February 2023.
This application reopening aligns with the previously announced extension of the PY23 QPP submission window. This EUC option will only be available to those ECs and groups experiencing impacts from the cyberattack that would prevent them from completing the PY23 QPP submission before the extended deadline.
The EUC application will be available through the QPP Portal until the submission window closes on April 15, 2024 at 8pm ET.
Sign in access to the QPP Portal is available here: https://qpp.cms.gov/login
Contact the KYREC today for questions or assistance in completing your PY23 QPP submission. Call us at 859-323-3090 or use the link below.
CMS Extends QPP Reporting Window for Program Year 2023
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, CMS announced an extension of the 2023 performance period data submission window for the Merit-based Incentive Payment Systems (MIPS) track of the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
The data submission period will now close two weeks later than previously announced. Performance data for groups and eligible clinicians may be submitted now until April 15th, 2024 at 8pm ET via the QPP Portal. Once the window closes for the 2023 performance year, ECs and groups will no longer be able to correct data entry or upload errors.
Sign in access to the QPP Portal is available here: https://qpp.cms.gov/login
At the KYREC, our expert advisors recommend that QPP Security Officials and/or personnel assigned in Staff User roles within an organization review all submitted MIPS data prior to the closure of this window to ensure the accuracy of attestation information. This includes conducting a review of any data submitted by a Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) reporting on behalf of the EC or group across all applicable performance categories. Reviewing the integrity of your data submission now may help avoid negative payment adjustments in the future.
Have questions on how to submit your PY23 MIPS performance data? Contact the KYREC today to talk with one of our experienced advisors before time runs out. Call us at 859-323-3090.
QPP 2024 Webinar March 12: Deep Dive into eCQM Quality Measure Optimization
QPP 2024 Webinar: DEEP DIVE INTO ECQM QUALITY MEASURE OPTIMIZATION*
Tuesday MARCH 12, 2024 @ 12PM ET
Join your trusted KY REC advisors to learn all about electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs). Many practices and eligible clinicians use eCQMs to submit for the quality performance category of the QPP, other payor programs and to monitor outcomes. We will walk you through how to find and use eCQM specifications, measure flow sheets, and discuss how to use these tools to develop a process improvement plan for the quality measures that are meaningful to you.
We will also review how to use your EHR vendor resources to ensure that you are accurately capturing patients that are included in your quality measures to maximize your performance.
Interested in becoming a QPP client? As a client, you receive exclusive access to our analysis of all aspects of the Quality Payment Program. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE.
Mark your calendars for “Deep Dive into eCQM Quality Measure Optimization” on Tuesday, March 12 at 12pm EST.
Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC for all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We are here to help. Call us at 859-323-3090.
*This webinar is for Kentucky REC contracted QPP clients only. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about becoming a client, please contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!
QPP Public Webinar Available Today! 2024 Final Rule
QPP Year 8: FINAL RULE HIGHLIGHTS
Available Today: Wednesday February 21, 2024 @ 12PM ET
Every year, CMS enacts changes to the Quality Payment Program. The CMS 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule, released in November of 2023, is no exception. Important updates include:
- Finalized 5 new MVPs
- PI Category – expanded the reporting window
- Cost Category – added measures
- Downward adjustments to PFS payment rates
- Expanded SDOH & telehealth services reimbursement
Our Kentucky REC expert advisors are here to share and interpret the most critical updates to MIPS and APM Tracks of the Quality Payment Program. Register and view this on-demand analysis to stay in the know about changes to the program and what they could mean for your practice.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
For more information:
2024 PFS/Quality Payment Program Final Rule
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
PILL PODCAST: Kentucky’s Stroke Care Journey – Insights from Coverdell
Kentucky’s Stroke Care Journey: Insights from Coverdell
Get ready for an engaging discussion that unveils the transformative impact of the Coverdell Grant on the future of stroke care in the Bluegrass State!
Kentucky REC advisor Lacy Shumway provides a comprehensive overview of the 3-year Coverdell Grant, focusing on its mission to enhance stroke care in collaboration with the CDC. She shares details behind the numbers in Kentucky’s application for the grant: addressing high stroke mortality rates and risk factors.
Explore the seven strategies implemented by the Coverdell Grant, formally known as the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program, including: HTN control; quality improvement; education; and EMS collaboration. Lacy discusses data collection challenges and the critical role of ZIP CODES in the Social Deprivation Index (SDI). Uncover the system-wide impact of the grant, addressing challenges and bridging geographical gaps in stroke care across Kentucky.
Lacy Shumway is the Program Manager for the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program at the Kentucky Regional Extension Center, University of Kentucky. With 13 years in healthcare, Lacy’s expertise includes 7 years as Coordinator for Stroke Program Outreach at Norton Healthcare. She successfully marketed the stroke program and developed a pre-hospital stroke education training offered across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Lacy serves as Vice-Chair of the Cardiac and Stroke Subcommittee at the Kentucky Board of EMS, and is the Chair of the EMS and Education Committee with the Stroke Encounter Quality Improvement Program (SEQIP). A graduate of Indiana University, Lacy brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Tune in for an informative exploration of stroke care advancements in Kentucky!
Listen to our podcast on Buzzsprout, or Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are available.
 |  |  |
If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.
QPP Public Webinar: 2024 Final Rule – Release Date Feb 21
QPP Year 8: FINAL RULE HIGHLIGHTS
Release Date: Wednesday February 21, 2024 @ 12PM ET
Every year, CMS enacts changes to the Quality Payment Program. The CMS 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule, released in November of 2023, is no exception. Important updates include:
- Finalized 5 new MVPs
- PI Category – expanded the reporting window
- Cost Category – added measures
- Downward adjustments to PFS payment rates
- Expanded SDOH & telehealth services reimbursement
Our Kentucky REC expert advisors are here to share and interpret the most critical updates to MIPS and APM Tracks of the Quality Payment Program. Register and view this on-demand analysis to stay in the know about changes to the program and what they could mean for your practice.
Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM to be among the first to receive this webinar recording.
For more information:
2024 PFS/Quality Payment Program Final Rule
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
NEW in 2024! Quality Payment Program Public Webinars Feature On-Demand Access
NEW in 2024! Quality Payment Program Public Webinars Feature On-Demand Access
Kentucky REC Quality advisors are always looking for innovative ways to provide timely information regarding the Quality Payment Program initiatives to our healthcare audience. We know that providers and staff, from small offices to large health systems, face many demands on their time throughout the day. To best meet your needs, our QPP focused Public Webinars will now be released periodically throughout 2024 for your viewing convenience. Your access to expert content will remain the same, just with the added flexibility of On Demand Viewing to best meet your needs.
Want to be the FIRST TO KNOW about an upcoming QPP Public webinar? Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM.
QPP Public Webinar On-Demand Release Schedule for 2024*:
FEBRUARY 2024: QPP Final Rule Highlights
MAY 2024: QPP Quality and Cost Performance Category Overview
JULY 2024: QPP Promoting Interoperability (PI) and Improvement Activities(IA) Performance Category Overview
NOVEMBER 2024: Year in Review Roundtable
Same great content, your way, on your schedule!
*Client-Only QPP Webinars will continue to remain LIVE and will transition to the Zoom Webinar Platform for 2024
Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC for all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help. Call us at 859-323-3090.
QPP Year 8 Webinar February 13: QPP Reporting Options
QPP Year 8: ALL ABOUT QPP REPORTING OPTIONS*
Tuesday February 13, 2024 @ 12PM ET
CMS’s Quality Payment Program continues to evolve each program year. In the current landscape, there are more avenues than ever available for reporting your Eligible Clinician’s data. All these choices can be overwhelming, and make it challenging to determine the best reporting method for your practice.
Join our team of experienced advisors as we dive into the intricacies of QPP reporting options for both Program Year 2023 (PY23) & Program Year 2024 (PY24).
We will guide you through the diverse options of data collection and submission methods for each Performance Category, and review the different levels of submission for MIPS. This will give you the facts to make informed decisions that align with your practice’s goals, and shed light on essential considerations for the various MVP reporting levels.
Already a QPP client or interested in becoming one? As a client, you receive exclusive access to our analysis of all aspects of the Quality Payment Program. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE.
Open to the public webinars will be available in 2024, highlighting major updates and implications for eligible clinicians and practices.
Mark your calendars for “All About QPP Reporting Options” on Tuesday, February 13 at 12pm EST.
Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC for all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We are here to help. Call us at 859-323-3090.
*This webinar is for Kentucky REC contracted QPP clients only. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about becoming a client, please contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!
