KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Webinars

Register Today! QPP Public Webinar May 13 – Accountable Care Series Kick-Off

QPP Year 9: QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 1: A Journey to Whole Person, Patient-Centered Care
 
Live Webinar: Tuesday May 13, 2025 12 Noon ET

This open to the public live webinar marks the launch of our comprehensive four-part series designed to equip healthcare providers & leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of value-based accountable care.

CMS intends to align the QPP with agency goals as outlined in the Healthy People 2030 Initiative to provide comprehensive primary and specialty care services to all Traditional Medicare beneficiaries via accountable care relationships focused on improving quality and total cost of care.

In this inaugural session, we will explore the foundations of success in accountable care.

Topics Include:
• Cost and Quality Connection:
Understand the critical link between cost-effective care and improved patient outcomes for value-based care
• Identifying Controllable Costs: Learn strategies to identify and manage costs within your control for better population health management
• Leveraging Population Health Strategies: Explore the significant impact of Chronic Care Management, Transitional Care Management and addressing socio-economic disparities in your patient population health and discover innovative approaches to address these critical factors
• Performance Alignment with CMS and Other Payers Through QI: Gain insights into establishing a framework of high-reliability and a culture of continuous quality improvement to remain relevant in the accountable care space

This webinar is a must-attend for all healthcare providers and leaders seeking to embrace a patient-centered approach to care and succeed in the evolving value-based care environment. Not a current KY REC client? For access to remaining webinars in this series, contact the KY REC to learn more about our services.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
 

QPP Webinar April 8 – Expert Insight Series: Promoting Interoperability – Mastering HIE


QPP Webinar – 2025 Expert Insight Series Part 3: Promoting Interoperability (PI) Category – Mastering the Health Information Exchange (HIE) Objective*
Tuesday April 8, 2025 @ 12PM ET

In the last segment of our Expert Insight Series, this webinar provides a deep dive into the critical Health Information Exchange (HIE) objective within the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Performance Category of the Quality Payment Program (QPP).

Key takeaways include:
• 3 Pathways to Success:
Explore the three distinct methods for meeting the HIE objective and determine the best approach for your practice
• HIE Operations De-mystified: Gain a clear understanding of how Health Information Exchanges function, including data sharing processes and key considerations
• Maximizing Your Score: Learn strategies to optimize your HIE performance and maximize your QPP score

This webinar is essential for all providers seeking to successfully navigate the HIE objective and maximize their QPP performance. Access to this webinar series is reserved for clients of the Kentucky Regional Extension Center.

Join the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (Kentucky REC) on Tuesday, April 8th, at 12:00 pm for our client-only QPP 2025 Expert Insights Series: Mastering the Health Information Exchange (HIE) objective within the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Performance Category for the 2025 Quality Payment Program.

Interested in learning more about QPP, attend upcoming series, or learn how our advisors can assist your practice in maximizing performance in the QPP or other value-based care programs? 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 “Promoting Interoperability (PI) Category – Mastering the Health Information Exchange (HIE) Objective*” on Tuesday, APRIL 8th 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!

HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover: Let’s Break it Down – Watch Now!

Public Webinar Available Now: HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down

 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information (NPRM) on Jan 6, 2025. This will be the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule since the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013.

These proposed changes bring about new requirements, including:

  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Penetration testing
  • Patch management
  • Network segmentation
  • Data backup testing
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Security incident planning and testing
  • HIPAA compliance audits
  • Business associate delegation
  • Guidelines for ongoing maintenance


This webinar provides an overview of the proposed changes and expected timelines for regulated entities to meet compliance with the new rule. The proposed rule seeks to strengthen cybersecurity by updating the Security Rule’s standards to better address ever-increasing cybersecurity threats to the health care sector. While the Department is undertaking this rulemaking, the current Security Rule remains in effect.

For more information about the proposed rule for HIPAA Security, please follow the links below:

Fact Sheet: “HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – “HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information

Contact the experts at Kentucky REC with all your HIPAA Privacy and Security questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down – Webinar Mar 27

HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down

Public Webinar to be released Thursday March 27

 

Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM to be among the first to receive this webinar recording.

HHS Announces Proposed Changes to the HIPAA Security Rule!

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information (NPRM) on Jan 6, 2025. This will be the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule since the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013. These proposed changes bring about new requirements, including:

  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Penetration testing
  • Patch management
  • Network segmentation
  • Data backup testing
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Security incident planning and testing
  • HIPAA compliance audits
  • Business associate delegation
  • Guidelines for ongoing maintenance

This webinar will provide an overview of the proposed changes and expected timelines for regulated entities to meet compliance with the new rule. This proposed rule seeks to strengthen cybersecurity by updating the Security Rule’s standards to better address ever-increasing cybersecurity threats to the health care sector.

While the Department is undertaking this rulemaking, the current Security Rule remains in effect.

HHS encourages all stakeholders, including patients and their families, health plans, health care providers, health care professional associations, consumer advocates, and government entities, to submit comments through regulations.gov.

For more information about the newly proposed rule for HIPAA Security, please follow the links below:

Fact Sheet: “HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.html

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – “HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information

Contact the experts at Kentucky REC with all your HIPAA Privacy and Security questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

QPP 2025 Public Webinar: Final Rule – Watch Now

QPP Year 9: 2025 Final Rule Overview
Available Now: Friday January 31, 2025

Key QPP Updates from the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

With the release of the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program Final Rule in late 2024, CMS finalized programmatic changes impacting your practice in 2025 and future performance years.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
• MVP Continued Expansion:
addition of 6 new MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) and consolidation of two existing neurological MVPs
• Cost: 6 new episode-based cost measures added to the Cost Performance category, further emphasizing value-based care
• Improvement Activities: Revamp of category weighting and requirements
• APP Track & MSSP: Required measure set expansion for MSSP participants via APP Plus
• Advanced APMs: QP status determination changes and finalized updates to QPP Lump Sum Bonus payouts

Register and view this on-demand analysis to stay in the know as we explore critical elements of MVPS, APP and Traditional MIPS tracks of the Quality Payment Program.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

The CMS 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule overview, QPP, and MSSP Fact Sheets are available through the links below.

PFS Fact Sheet

MSSP Fact Sheet

QPP Fact Sheet: https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/3057/2025-QPP-Policies-Final-Rule-Fact-Sheet.pdf

 

QPP 2025 Public Webinar: Final Rule – Release Date Jan 31

QPP Year 9: 2025 Final Rule Overview
Release Date: Friday January 31, 2025

Key QPP Updates from the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

With the release of the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program Final Rule in late 2024, CMS finalized programmatic changes impacting your practice in 2025 and future performance years.

Sign up today to view the Kentucky Regional Extension Center’s QPP 2025: CMS PFS & Quality Payment Program Final Rule Overview on Friday, January 31st, 2025.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
• MVP Continued Expansion:
addition of 6 new MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) and consolidation of two existing neurological MVPs
• Cost: 6 new episode-based cost measures added to the Cost Performance category, further emphasizing value-based care
• Improvement Activities: Revamp of category weighting and requirements
• APP Track & MSSP: Required measure set expansion for MSSP participants via APP Plus
• Advanced APMs: QP status determination changes and finalized updates to QPP Lump Sum Bonus payouts

Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM to be among the first to receive this webinar recording.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

The CMS 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule overview, QPP, and MSSP Fact Sheets are available through the links below.

PFS Fact Sheet

MSSP Fact Sheet

QPP Fact Sheet: https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/3057/2025-QPP-Policies-Final-Rule-Fact-Sheet.pdf

 

Watch Now! TEAM Model APM – for Acute Care Hospitals

TEAM Model APM – Transforming Episode Accountability Model for Acute Care Hospitals

Available Now: Friday Nov 15, 2024

On November 15th, your trusted REC experts released a webinar focusing on CMS’s recently announced new MANDATORY payment arrangement: Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). This model is set to launch January 1st, 2026 for selected acute care hospitals in 188 core-based statistical areas (CBSAs).

Many Kentucky hospitals will be required to participate in this first phase, specifically hospitals located in:

Bowling Green
Corbin
Glasgow
Lexington-Fayette
Middlesboro

This model is a 5-year project beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2030.

You will receive regulatory analysis of this new program and information on: episodes of care; timelines; financial up-side and down-side risk glidepaths; and other need-to-know elements set forth by CMS in this new model.

For further information:
CMS TEAM Model Hospital Registration (Primary Hospital Contact for FY26 Mandatory Participants).

For more information on the upcoming TEAM Model

To receive future CMS announcements, join the CMS Listserv.

REGISTER TODAY to be in-the-know on this very important topic impacting clinicians and Acute Care Hospitals across Kentucky and the nation.

For details and more information on TEAM from CMS, visit HERE.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

Kentucky Hospitals! TEAM Model APM Webinar Release Date: Friday Nov 15

TEAM Model APM – Transforming Episode Accountability Model for Acute Care Hospitals

TEAM Model APM Pre-Recorded Webinar
Release Date: Friday, 11/15/2024

On November 15th, your trusted REC experts will release a pre-recorded webinar focusing on CMS’s recently announced new MANDATORY payment arrangement: Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). This model is set to launch January 1st, 2026 for selected acute care hospitals in 188 core-based statistical areas (CBSAs).

Many Kentucky hospitals will be required to participate in this first phase, specifically hospitals located in:

Bowling Green
Corbin
Glasgow
Lexington-Fayette
Middlesboro

This model is a 5-year project beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2030.

Our experts will provide regulatory analysis of this new program and will explore: episodes of care; timelines; financial up-side and down-side risk glidepaths; and other need-to-know elements set forth by CMS in this new model.

REGISTER TODAY to be in-the-know on this very important topic impacting clinicians and Acute Care Hospitals across Kentucky and the nation.

For details and more information on TEAM from CMS, visit HERE.

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

 

 

QPP Webinar Oct 15: Hidden Quality Measures

QPP Webinar: HIDDEN QUALITY MEASURES: UNDERSTANDING IMPACTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS QUALITY PERFORMANCE*
Tuesday OCTOBER 15, 2024 @ 12PM ET

Did you know that your practice may be scored on more than the six required quality measures you submit to the Quality Payment Program (QPP)? While eligible clinicians and group practices are required to submit six clinical quality measures to receive a score for the quality performance category, there are an additional four administrative claims-based measures that may potentially impact your overall performance in the QPP.

Learn how these measures are triggered for inclusion and what you need to know to best prepare for evaluation. You will gain insight into the linkages between these “hidden” measures and their influence in the overall MIPS performance and future payment adjustments for your organization.

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 “HIDDEN QUALITY MEASURES: UNDERSTANDING IMPACTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS QUALITY PERFORMANCE*” on Tuesday, October 15th at 12pm EST.

*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 Webinar Sept 17: Claims-based Quality Reporting

QPP Webinar: CLAIMS-BASED QUALITY REPORTING OPTIMIZATION FOR SMALL PRACTICES & INDIVIDUAL ECS*
Tuesday SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 @ 12PM ET

Participation in CMS’s Quality Payment Program (QPP) often poses a reporting challenge to individual clinicians and small practices without an electronic health record or other CMS-approved quality reporting mechanisms. One of the flexibilities CMS provides to these clinicians and small practices is the option of claims-based reporting for the quality performance category.

This method allows practices to report on clinical quality measures using data collected from Medicare Part B Claims submission, reducing financial burden often associated with the program.

Kentucky REC advisors will share valuable insights and practical guidance on how to navigate the QPP and achieve success through claims-based reporting.

KEY TOPICS:
• Understanding Part B Claims Reporting: Gain valuable insight as we cover specific requirements and processes for reporting clinical quality measures using claims data.
• Preparing for Success: Participants will learn best practices for readying their organization for claims-based reporting, including workflow modification, quality performance monitoring, and data validation.
• Navigating Part B Claims: This session will review how to interpret claims measure specifications to better compare your billing practices and measure requirements for the quality performance category of Traditional MIPS and MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs).

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 “CLAIMS-BASED QUALITY REPORTING OPTIMIZATION FOR SMALL PRACTICES & INDIVIDUAL ECS*” on Tuesday, September 17 at 12pm EST.

*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!

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