CMS QPP 2027 Final Rule Released – Client Webinar Dec 18
2027 PFS & QPP Final Rule Analysis*
Webinar Date: December 18, 2026 @12pm
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule, which includes policies for:
• Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
• Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM)
• Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP)
• Advanced Alternative Payment Models (AAPMs)
One of the most significant changes is the sunset date of traditional MIPS. Beginning in CY2030, MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) or the APM Performance Pathways (APP) will become the primary MIPS participation tracks for eligible clinicians and groups.
Other finalized QPP changes include:
• Removal of High Priority Measure Designation
• New MIPS Core Measure reporting
• Three new MVPs: Diabetic Disease, Hospitalist, and Hypertension
• Modifications to all 27 existing MVPs
• Updates to the APP Plus Quality Measure Set
What do these changes mean for your practice? Kentucky REC clients are invited to our 2027 PFS & QPP Final Rule Analysis on Friday, Dec 18 at 12 noon EST.*
Not currently a Kentucky REC QPP client? Contact our team at 859-323-3090 or EMAIL to learn how advisors can support your practice in QPP and other value-based care programs.
Additional Resources:
Visit the Federal Register to read the complete 2027 PFS/QPP Final Rule
Download the Transition Timeline from MIPS to MVPs (PDF)
*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, contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!
Kentucky REC Conference: Practical HIPAA Security Compliance Strategies
From Risk to Resilience: Practical HIPAA Security Compliance Strategies
Speakers: Amy Daley and Lindsey Steele, Kentucky REC along with Special Guest Kory Haas, Faith Healthcare
In 2026, OCR launched its “Risk Management Initiative” to highlight deficiencies identified during recent security incident investigations. Lack of security risk assessments and risk management activities were the two most common findings cited. While the HIPAA Security Rule is pending finalization, healthcare organizations can use OCR’s insights to proactively build a stronger, more defensible compliance program.
In this discussion, Kentucky REC HIPAA Security Advisors Amy Daley and Lindsey Steele, will be joined by guest speaker Kory Haas, IT Director and HIPAA Security Officer for Faith Healthcare, to share practical insights and real world perspectives from the field.
The session will focus on helping healthcare organizations translate risk findings into meaningful action through a three-step approach: Assess, Mitigate, and Document.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how these foundational practices can address security gaps and strengthen their organization’s overall security posture.
About Amy Daley
Amy Daley, CHPS, has been a Health IT Advisor for Kentucky Regional Extension Center since 2014 and is the HIPAA Team Lead. She specializes in HIPAA Security guidance for healthcare organizations across the state of Kentucky. Amy obtained her B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Louisville. Amy has been a guest speaker at various conferences in Kentucky presenting on topics related to HIPAA Security and Promoting Interoperability. Her background includes expertise in the areas of implementation, training and management of EHR systems.
About Lindsey Steele
Lindsey Steele is a Health IT Advisor for Kentucky REC specializing in HIPAA Security guidance and education. Lindsey’s expertise includes helping regulated entities across Kentucky identify and strengthen their security safeguards through risk assessments, mitigation strategies and conducting network vulnerability scans. Prior to joining Kentucky REC in 2024, Lindsey was a Health Information Technology Manager with more than 20 years of experience where she focused on management of EHR implementation and support, oversight of compliance and regulatory programs, and development of IT training programs for clinical and operational staff.
About Kory Haas
Kory Haas, PhD-IS, MS-IT, CSIS+, is an experienced healthcare technology leader, a graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, and the IT Director for Faith Healthcare, Inc. His work focuses on healthcare IT, HIPAA compliance, cybersecurity, risk management, and implementing secure, reliable technology systems that support patient care and protect sensitive health information.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: Building Connections Through Payer Programs
From Regulations To Relationships: Building Connections Through Emerging Payer Programs
Speakers: Alicia Anderson and Jessica Elliott, Kentucky REC
Healthcare is rapidly evolving from a system focused on individual services to one built on relationships, coordination, and accountability for outcomes. Emerging payer programs and CMS initiatives, including mandatory payment models, Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) requirements, Collaborative Care Arrangements, and Care Coordination Agreements, are creating new expectations for how providers work together across the continuum of care.
Join our Kentucky REC experts Alicia Anderson and Jessica Elliott as they explore recent legislative and payer developments, highlighting how stronger connections between healthcare providers, community resources, and care teams can improve patient outcomes, improve utilization, and lower the total cost of care.
Attendees will gain practical insights into the opportunities and challenges these programs present. You will learn how your organization can position itself for success in an increasingly value-based healthcare environment.
About Alicia Anderson
Alicia Anderson, MS, is a Practice Transformation Advisor and Dyad Team Lead with the Kentucky Regional Extension Center. She has more than 10 years of experience in healthcare quality improvement, health information management, and performance improvement. Ms Anderson partners with healthcare teams across Kentucky to advance quality improvement, practice transformation, and value-based care initiatives.
Her work focuses on using data to drive quality improvement and translating complex regulatory and payer requirements into practical strategies that improve clinical performance and patient outcomes. She works closely with healthcare teams to turn performance data into actionable insights that support informed decision-making and sustainable improvement. Alicia also serves as an instructor for Ethics in Healthcare at the University of Kentucky and holds a Master of Science in Information Communication Technology from the University of Kentucky.
About Jessica Elliott
Jessica Elliott is the Lead Practice Transformation & Quality Improvement Advisor at the Kentucky Regional Extension Center. Jessica is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPPS) and a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). She has over 20 years of healthcare experience, including expertise in quality improvement implementation science and regulatory policy analysis. She partners with clinicians and healthcare organizations to design and implement strategies enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing care processes, and maximizing efficiencies in the transition to value-based care.
Jessica also leads projects including HEDIS measure optimization and chronic disease grant initiatives focused on patient activation and linkages to community resources.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: Debate – AI in Healthcare
AI is transforming healthcare, but what are the opportunities, risks, and realities organizations should be preparing for today? Join four University of Kentucky healthcare leaders for a lively AI in Healthcare Debate at 3:30 pm as they examine the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence in clinical care, operations, compliance, and patient engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate through audience questions and hear diverse perspectives on one of healthcare’s most talked-about topics.
Debate Participants
Cody Bumgardner —Debater
Dr. Cody Bumgardner is Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Assistant Dean for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where he serves as Division Chief of Pathology Informatics and directs Biomedical Informatics for the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. He founded the UK Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, and was recently named Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Digital Innovation at the University of Louisville.
He has directed CLIA-certified clinical genomics processing since 2015 and built the compliant research computing that now hosts institutional AI services across health-system, state, and federal data. His group develops medically focused imaging foundation models, in-house medical large language models, and clinical tools for decision support, protocol adherence, and healthcare analytics.
Romil Chadha, MD —Debater
Romil Chadha, MD, MPH, MBA, is Chief Medical Information Officer at UK HealthCare and Professor of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. A practicing physician and clinical informatician, he focuses on using technology, data, AI, and thoughtful system design to improve patient care, clinician experience, and healthcare operations.
Dr. Chadha supports others in improving the health and well-being of patients through excellence in patient care, teaching and research. He also provides medical leadership for all clinical information systems and innovative technology, and champions medical informatics for the advancement of the clinical quality.
Mark Hoffman, MD —Debater
Mark R. Hoffman, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer, Good Samaritan Hospital and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Dr. Hoffman’s primary research interests include uterine fibroids and outcomes following robotic surgery, and he is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Hoffman focuses his practice on medical and surgical treatments of complex gynecologic problems including fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. In addition to nonsurgical treatments, he can offer a minimally invasive approach when surgery is needed.
Kayla Staley, RHIA, MBA —Debater
Kayla Staley is the Director of Patient Access, Experience & Digital Engagement at UK HealthCare, where she leads initiatives focused on improving the patient experience through digital innovation, access optimization, and operational transformation. With extensive experience in healthcare technology, Epic, patient engagement platforms, and enterprise process improvement, Kayla works at the intersection of clinical operations, technology, and strategy.
She has been actively leading the evaluation and adoption of artificial intelligence solutions within healthcare, with a focus on practical applications that enhance patient access, streamline workflows, and support staff efficiency while maintaining strong governance and responsible implementation practices. As a healthcare leader, she is passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful improvements for both patients and care teams.
Trudi Matthews —Moderator
Trudi Matthews, Chief of Value-based Programs, Public Policy and Community Initiatives, Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, UK HealthCare; Executive Director, UK Kentucky Regional Extension Center (REC); Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences
Trudi Matthews serves as Chief of Value Based Programs, Public Policy and Community Initiatives in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UK HealthCare, the health system of the University of Kentucky (UK). In this role, Trudi works with UK HealthCare’s executive team and ambulatory leadership to ensure success in value-based programs for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers. Trudi also serves as government affairs and policy lead for UK HealthCare overseeing a team responsible for reviewing and analyzing state and federal government policy initiatives.
Trudi is also Executive Director of the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (REC) at UK. Trudi oversees this state-wide center charged with assisting health care leaders, practices, and hospitals across Kentucky with using technology, connectivity, process improvement and value-based care models to improve the quality and value of health care. From 2015-2019, she was Managing Director of the Kentucky REC, leading and supporting multiple externally sponsored projects such as Kentucky’s Practice Transformation Network Grant, Medicaid Meaningful Use/Promoting Interoperability Support, and several CDC-funded projects with the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: Trudi Matthews on Healthcare Policy & More
Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Update: What’s Next
Speaker: Trudi Matthews, Chief of Value-based Programs, Public Policy and Community Initiatives, Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, UK HealthCare; Executive Director, UK Kentucky Regional Extension Center (REC); Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences
Stay informed on the latest healthcare policy developments and emerging regulatory initiatives shaping the future of care delivery. This session will provide an overview of key federal and state policy trends, value-based care priorities, reimbursement changes, and regulatory developments that healthcare organizations should prepare for in the near future.
About Trudi Matthews
Trudi Matthews serves as Chief of Value Based Programs, Public Policy and Community Initiatives in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UK HealthCare, the health system of the University of Kentucky (UK). In this role, Trudi works with UK HealthCare’s executive team and ambulatory leadership to ensure success in value-based programs for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers. Trudi also serves as government affairs and policy lead for UK HealthCare overseeing a team responsible for reviewing and analyzing state and federal government policy initiatives.
Trudi is also Executive Director of the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (REC) at UK. Trudi oversees this state-wide center charged with assisting health care leaders, practices, and hospitals across Kentucky with using technology, connectivity, process improvement and value-based care models to improve the quality and value of health care. From 2015-2019, she was Managing Director of the Kentucky REC, leading and supporting multiple externally sponsored projects such as Kentucky’s Practice Transformation Network Grant, Medicaid Meaningful Use/Promoting Interoperability Support, and several CDC-funded projects with the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: The New KHIE Portal
The New KHIE Portal: Features, Functionality & What’s Ahead
Speaker: Rachael Roehrig, Deputy executive Director – division of the kentucky health information exchange (KHIE) & the division of telehealth services
Join Rachael Roehrig for an exciting look into the future of healthcare data in Kentucky. Rachael will showcase the powerful new features and tools now available to providers. Discover how KHIE’s new partnership with CRISP Shared Services (CSS) is upgrading the state’s digital medical network to make patient care more connected and efficient.
About Rachael Roehrig
Rachael Roehrig is Executive Director of the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHIE) and Deputy Executive Director within the Kentucky Office of Inspector General, where she leads statewide efforts to advance interoperability and strengthen health data infrastructure. With more than a decade of experience in Kentucky state government, she brings deep expertise in healthcare policy, data analytics, and program operations.
Rachael is known for driving data-informed decision-making and fostering collaboration across government agencies, providers, and technology partners to improve healthcare delivery. As a speaker, she offers practical insights on connecting systems, leveraging data, and enhancing care through statewide health information exchange.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: What Hospitals Need to Know for Medicare PI
Connecting Care Through Interoperability: What Hospitals Need to Know for Medicare PI
Speaker: Kristina Stolitca, Kentucky REC
Kentucky REC Hospital team lead Kristina Stolitca will provide an overview of the Medicare Promoting Interoperability (PI) Program for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals and explore how interoperability requirements continue to shape care delivery across the healthcare community. This session will review 2026 program requirements, including reporting periods, objectives, and measures, while highlighting key updates from the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule. Attendees will gain practical insight into evolving compliance expectations and the growing role of interoperability, public health reporting, and data exchange in supporting coordinated care and healthcare connectivity.
About Kristina Stolitca
Kristina Stolitca is a Health Information Technology Advisor at the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (KY REC), where she has served for 15 years. In this role, she supports hospitals across Kentucky participating in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability (PI) Program, providing expert guidance on regulatory compliance, EHR reporting, and program attestation. Kristina partners with hospital leaders and staff to assess performance, identify compliance gaps, and promote successful program participation. She develops tools and resources to help organizations navigate evolving CMS requirements, translating complex federal mandates into clear, actionable guidance. Her long-standing work at KY REC reflects a deep commitment to supporting Kentucky hospitals and advancing health information technology across the Commonwealth.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Webinar August 27 – CMS Proposes Significant Reforms to The Quality Payment Program
Don’t Miss Our Aug 27 Webinar:
2027 CMS NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING: QPP and BEYOND
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) issued the notice for proposed rule-making for the 2027 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) on Tuesday, August 14th, 2026.
CMS is proposing transformational changes to several programs within this rule, including:
- the sunset date for the MIPS track of the QPP
- a further increase in available MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs)
- significant APM incentive payment reforms
- expansion of the Medicare Shared Savings Program
- further clarification of the new Ambulatory Specialty Model
- the introduction of core measures and other substantial changes to QPP performance categories
Stay in the know with the Kentucky REC – Register today and be prepared for 2027 and beyond!
2027 CMS NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING: QPP and BEYOND
THURSDAY AUG 27 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
CMS encourages providers, healthcare organizations, vendors, and professional organizations to submit comments on the proposed rule.
How to comment:
The proposed rule includes directions for submitting comments within the 60-day comment period. CMS must receive comments by Monday, September 14, 2026.
When commenting, refer to file code: CMS-1848-P.
CMS does NOT accept FAX transmissions.
Use 1 of the 3 following ways to officially submit your comments:
• Electronically: www.regulations.gov
• Regular mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1848-P, P.O. Box 8016, Baltimore, MD 21244-8016.
• Express or overnight mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1848-P, Mail Stop C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your CMS QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: Maximizing the HIPAA Security Rule
Maximizing the HIPAA Security Rule for Practice Success
Speaker: Amy Daley, Kentucky REC
Significant revisions to the HIPAA Security Rule are expected to be finalized and announced next year. Applying the new revisions to everyday operations in your practice is the key to maximizing and strengthening your overall compliance program. Our advisors will provide an overview of everything that is changing about the rule as well as timelines for expected compliance.
About Amy Daley
Amy Daley, CHPS, has been a Health IT Advisor for Kentucky Regional Extension Center since 2014 and is the HIPAA Team Lead. She specializes in HIPAA Security guidance for healthcare organizations across the state of Kentucky. Amy obtained her B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Louisville. Amy has been a guest speaker at various conferences in Kentucky presenting on topics related to HIPAA Security and Promoting Interoperability. Her background includes expertise in the areas of implementation, training and management of EHR systems.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Webinar July 30: Understanding CMS’s Mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model
Don’t Miss Our July 30 Webinar: Understanding CMS’s Mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM)
Does your practice treat 20 or more Medicare patients with heart failure or low back pain each year? If so, CMS’s new Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) may directly impact your organization.
Unlike many value-based care initiatives, the ASM is a mandatory payment model for selected specialists billing under Medicare Part B who treat these conditions. Beginning in 2027, the model is designed to increase specialist accountability for chronic disease management, reduce low-value care, and strengthen coordination between specialists and primary care providers.
CMS has released the preliminary list of participating providers, with an update coming later this year. You can check your status by clicking this link.
With financial risk increasing through 2033, now is the time to understand the model and begin preparing your practice.
Join us for our webinar on Thursday, July 30, where we will provide a practical overview of:
• Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) selection methodology
• Participant eligibility requirements
• Cohort-specific quality measures
• Financial implications and risk timelines
• Recommended steps to prepare your organization
Whether you are a practice administrator, physician leader, or quality improvement professional, this session will equip you with the insights and action steps needed to prepare for one of the most significant mandatory specialty payment models introduced by CMS.
Register today and get ahead of the changes!
UNDERSTANDING CMS’S MANDATORY AMBULATORY SPECIALTY MODEL
THURSDAY JULY 30 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your CMS QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
