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 3:50 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.
Contact Kentucky REC for ASM Guidance – Mandatory Participant List Released
CMS Releases Mandatory Participant List for New ASM Payment Model
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced the final participant list for the new mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) on September 15, 2026. The CMS Ambulatory Specialty Model represents a pivotal expansion of value-based care into high impact specialty services.
For selected providers, readiness is no longer optional. The time to assess risk, align strategy, and optimize performance is now.
ASM is a MANDATORY CMS Innovation Center model
designed to run for five years from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2031 in select core-based statistical areas.
ASM participants selected for this model, who frequently treat patients under Traditional Medicare for low back pain or heart failure in the outpatient setting MUST report to CMS on select clinically relevant quality measures and activities related to care coordination and interoperability.
NEXT STEPS:
ASM participants must complete two separate access requests to gain access to the ASM Participant Portal in the following order:
1) Request Innovation Center Access through logging into the CMS Enterprise Portal here
• You must use your IDM or Login.gov profile email address and must match the email address of your portal invitation
• Sign into the CMS portal to request Innovation Center Access
• Once roles have been selected, submit request and log out of the CMS Enterprise Portal
2) Request ASM Participant Portal Access through RELOGGING into the CMS Enterprise Portal
• Sign in using the same credentials to request access
• Once access has been granted, you can select additional organizational contacts to support your ASM participation
• If you are no longer affiliated with the organization you were selected for as an ASM participant, you may submit an Organizational Change Request at this time
An ASM participant will receive a positive, neutral, or negative adjustment on future Part B payments for covered professional services based on their performance on these measures and activities.
Visit our YouTube Channel for webinars on aspects of the CMS ASM. Click here to view our dedicated ASM Channel.
Questions about the portal, program eligibility, or other ASM needs? Contact us at the Kentucky REC today to learn more about our support options for you and your organization. Call YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC for all your ASM questions at 859-323-3090.
Quality Payment Program 2025 Performance Feedback Now Available!
Review Your Performance Feedback Now
On September 21st, 2026, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) released performance feedback reports for the 2025 performance year of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System program (MIPS) of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). 2025 final scores determine the positive, negative, or neutral payment adjustment practices and eligible clinicians (ECs) will receive in 2027 to Part B items and services. CMS intends to release payment adjustment information in mid-to-late October 2026.
One of the most important reasons to access performance feedback promptly is the opportunity to identify discrepancies or concerns. CMS provides a targeted review process for participants who believe there may be an error in their final score or payment adjustment calculation.
The sooner your organization reviews its reports, the more time you have to determine whether a targeted review request is warranted.
Contact us at Kentucky REC if you need assistance with filing a targeted review.
The targeted review window closes 30 days AFTER the release of MIPS payment adjustments.
Organizations that review their feedback promptly will be better equipped to validate results, address potential issues, and use performance insights to strengthen future outcomes. Taking action now can help protect your reimbursement, support quality improvement efforts, and position your organization for continued success in value-based care.
Reports may be accessed via the QPP Portal link here: Login to QPP Portal
CMS has provided these feedback resources:
Access the CMS MIPS Feedback FAQs PDF Here
Access the CMS 2025 MIPS Performance Feedback Supplemental Reports Guide PDF Here
Contact your Kentucky REC experts for all your QPP questions. Not a client? We’re here to help! Call us at (859) 323-3090 and set up an appointment to speak with a team member today to learn more about what we can do for you!
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.
QPP Time Sensitive Announcement! QPP Portal Data Slated for Removal
CMS recently announced that Performance Year 2022 resources and performance data will be archived with the release of 2025 performance feedback, slated to occur in late September 2026.
In order to ensure you have all relevant audit documentation, our Kentucky REC advisory team recommends that you download all 2022 data for your organization from the Quality Payment Program Portal as soon as possible.
This includes (but is not limited to):
• Detailed performance feedback and submission information for PY 2022
• Connected Clinician Reports
• Eligibility information, including Alternative Payment Model (APM) Participant Lists for PY 2022
• Webpage resources
Contact your Kentucky REC expert advisors for all your QPP questions. Not a client? We’re here to help! Call us at (859) 323-3090 and set up an appointment to speak with a team member today about what we can do for you!
CMS Finalizes FY 2027 IPPS Rule: What Hospitals Need to Know About Medicare Promoting Interoperability
CMS recently finalized several changes to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program that hospitals should be aware of as they plan for upcoming reporting years.*
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System final rule on July 31, 2026, which was published in the Federal Register on August 4, 2026.
The final rule includes changes across several hospital quality programs, including the Medicare Promoting Interoperability (PI) Program for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). You can view and download the final rule and related documents at the CMS webpage below.
Visit the CMS 2027 IPPS Final Rule Home Page Here
What Hospitals Should Know
CMS finalized several changes that will affect future Medicare PI reporting periods, including:
• Removal of the ONC Direct Review and ONC-ACB Surveillance attestations beginning with the CY 2026 EHR reporting period
• Changes to the Electronic Prior Authorization measure, including its transition to a mandatory measure beginning with CY 2028
• Addition of a Unique Device Identifier (UDI) measure beginning with the CY 2027 EHR reporting period
• Changes to the electronic referral loop measures, with their removal delayed until CY 2029
• Updates to the Medicare PI eCQM measure set beginning with the FY 2030 payment determination
While some of these changes are still a few years away, hospitals should begin considering how they may affect their EHR capabilities, workflows, reporting processes, and overall Medicare PI strategy.
Don’t Wait Until the Next Reporting Period
The Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program continues to evolve, making it increasingly important for hospitals to understand not only their current requirements, but also what is coming next.
With changes to measures, certification requirements, electronic exchange, and eCQMs, now is a good time for hospitals to review their current PI processes and identify areas that may require attention before future requirements take effect.
Not sure what these changes mean for your hospital?
KENTUCKY REC Can Help
The Kentucky Regional Extension Center (KY REC) works directly with Kentucky hospitals and CAHs to help them understand and successfully navigate the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program.
Our team can help your hospital:
• Understand current and upcoming Medicare PI requirements
• Identify potential compliance gaps
• Prepare for changes to future reporting periods
• Review your hospital’s PI performance and reporting strategy
• Navigate CMS and ONC requirements
Don’t navigate the changing Medicare Promoting Interoperability requirements alone.
Contact our Kentucky REC team today to learn how we can help your hospital prepare for current and future Medicare PI requirements. Call us at 859-323-3090.
*This article provides a high-level overview of finalized CMS policies and is intended for educational purposes. Hospitals should review official CMS guidance and program specifications when determining their specific Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program requirements.
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.
Updates to the HIPAA Security Rule Delayed
The anticipated updates to the HIPAA Security Rule are delayed until July 2027
This decision is according to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (reginfo.gov).
The proposed rule, introduced on January 6, 2025 through the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information, was originally anticipated for final action in May 2026. If finalized, the proposal would represent the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule since 2013 and would establish more prescriptive cybersecurity requirements for regulated entities.
The delay provides healthcare organizations additional time to prepare for potential new compliance obligations and strengthen cybersecurity programs.
Proposed Changes Outlined in the NPRM:
• Comprehensive and accurate technology asset inventory and network map showing where electronic protected health information (ePHI) is created, stored, processed, and transmitted
• New and expanded requirements for implementing encryption
• Multifactor authentication
• Network segmentation
• Anti-malware protection
• Annual penetration tests
• Vulnerability scans every 6 months
• Annual audits of Security Rule compliance
• Annual risk analyses
• Additional data backup and recovery controls and testing requirements
• Revised business associate agreements and annual written verification that business associates deploy certain technical safeguards
• Extensive documentation requirements
• Treat all implementation specifications as mandatory, eliminating the distinction between “required” and “addressable” implementation specifications
While the delay may offer some breathing room, it should not be viewed as a reason to pause security efforts.
Healthcare organizations should continue conducting annual Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), addressing identified vulnerabilities, strengthening technical safeguards, and maintaining compliance with the current HIPAA Security Rule requirements. Cyber threats continue to evolve, and proactive risk management remains essential for protecting (ePHI) and supporting patient care.
Have Questions?
Our trusted advisors at the Kentucky REC assist healthcare organizations with strengthening HIPAA Security compliance and cybersecurity readiness by offering specialized services to help organizations identify vulnerabilities, address compliance gaps, and prepare for future regulatory requirements.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC if you have any questions or need assistance with HIPAA security risk assessments, internal vulnerability network scanning, and project management support. We’re here to help: 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.
