Health Technology Services NEWSLETTER

Issue 37 - October 2015 
HTS Highlights Health Care IT Stories Below During National HIT Week
Oct. 5-9, 2015 
 
Star Valley Medical Center Named 2015 Best Hospital IT Department Finalist!
 
Exciting News!  Star Valley Medical Center in Afton, Wyoming is one of the 65 elite U.S.  hospital finalists chosen from nearly 200 initially nominated for the 2015 Best Hospital IT Department Award.
  
On November 1, 25 deserving winners will be announced from the 65 finalists that include IT departments with as large as 650 IT staff to as small as 2 IT staff.  Star Valley Medical Center has an outstanding staff of 4 of the most employee-friendly and IT-savvy people in the U.S. health care market.
 
What qualifies a hospital IT department as one of the best in the nation?  In addition to competitive salaries, past winners say it's the work culture, good communication, great teamwork, sense of accomplishment, management and leadership, employee recognition, benefits as well as the training. 
Congratulations to Star Valley for this outstanding recognition!
  
 
Cheyenne OB-GYN-The EHR Challenge
 
In early 2014, Cheyenne Obstetrics and Gynecology licensed their first Certified Electronic Health Record and began using the system on April 1st. For several months after implementation, their EHR web hosted program was continuously updated to the 2014 certified version.
 
Not only did providers and clinic staff experience the usual challenges of learning a new EHR, but also experienced much frustration with changing workflows as well as training issues due to the continuous updates to the 2014 certified version. The setup and access of the patient portal and 2014 CQM measure setup were particularly challenging.
 
Through it all, providers worked hard to achieve Meaningful Use Stage 1 Year 1. Health Technology Services worked with Cheyenne OB-GYN and is proud to say that they identified options within the 2014 MU Flexibility rule that allowed them to attest as Meaningful Users to the Medicaid EHR incentive program in 2014.
 
Congratulations, Cheyenne OB-GYN - job well done!
  
 
Every Patient Has Information (ePHI) to Protect
 
As a former software developer, my life's work has been the electronic health record (EHR) - from development to deployment and everything in between. In every aspect of the EHR, privacy, security and availability are paramount. How do we secure this very personal and private health care information in an industry that affects all of us and the ones we love?
 
  
 Don't Miss FREE
WY Telehealth Workshops
 
WY Telehealth Workshop-Cody
Thurs., 10/22, 11:30-2:30pm
  
WY Telehealth Workshop-Gillette
Thurs., 11/19, 11:30-2:30pm
 
Space is limited - register now
 Looking for a Medicaid EHR Incentive Guide?
 
Follow the easy steps below to get a copy -
 
  
Select your role - Provider, Hospital or Group Administrator
  
Locate Medicaid EHR Incentive Documentation Guide near the bottom of page
Provider/Clinic Corner
 
What are the most important things I need to know about the 2015 proposed MU rule change?
 
Get the latest information on these important topics at our Provider/Clinic Corner.
Hospital Corner
 
What are the most important things I need to know about the 2015 proposed MU rule change? 
  
Get the latest information on these important topics at our Hospital Corner.
QIO Corner
  
WY Hospitals Win 2015 Hospital Quality Awards
Congratulations!
 
Quality Achievement
Award Winners
  
Community Hospital, Torrington
 
Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Laramie
  
Memorial Hospital of Converse County, Douglas
  
Mountain View Regional Hospital, Casper
  
Platte County Memorial Hospital, Wheatland
  
Washakie Medical Center, Worland
  
Committee to Quality Award Winner
  
Evanston Regional Hospital, Evanston
  
****************
Bringing Hotspotting  Philosophies to Montana
  
"Hotspotting" is a data-driven approach to identify and better support high-cost, high-needs patients who are "super-utilizers" of health care services.
  
Mountain-Pacific Quality Health will use recently awarded CMS funds to work in Montana communities using "hotspotting" philosophies to develop "Resource Teams" to support super-utilizer patients.
  
  
Join Our List

Planning An Upcoming Event?

 

HTS has HIT/CMS Program subject matter experts who can present current and relevant information on many HIT/Quality Reporting topics.  

 

Contact Susan Clarke for details

Quick Links

HTS Services

 

Let Heath Technology Services assist you with all your Health Information Technology needs.

 

2015 Meaningful Use - Tiered Service Offerings 

 

2015 Security Risk Analysis - Service Offerings

 

PQRS Reporting Assistance - Tiered Service Offerings

 
MU/PQRS/ICD-
10 Combined Services
- Tiered Service Offerings


HIT Consulting & Project Management Service Offerings 

 

See details for all services on our website 

YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR FOR KEEPING CURRENT WITH HEALTH TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION 
       TOP 5 - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW!      
Click on the links for more information...  
  
Don't Wait! - Register for Important FREE Webinars      

 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Wednesday
October 7
2-3 pm MDT
PQRS-Selecting 2015 Measures
Presented by Health Technology Services
Webinar Description
Need help selecting your 2015 Measures. Join us for a review of the CMS rules of reporting measures for the EHR and Registry reporting mechanisms. We encourage you to bring your questions to this webinar.
Topics include
* Review Key Points of the EHR and Registry Reporting Mechanisms
* A Look at Various Measure Selection Options
* Steps and Important Considerations
* Experiences within Your Organization
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Wednesday
October 21
1:30-2:30 pm MDT   
  
  
  
  

 
ICD-10: Cardiovascular, Diabetes, and Immunization Coding 
Presented by Mountain-Pacific Quality Health and QualityNet eUniversity
Webinar Description
The long-awaited transition to ICD-10 has happened.  Join us to learn about cardiovascular, diabetes and immunization coding using ICD-10.
Topics include
* Understand the different codes and use of appropriate codes for immunizations
* Review and understand combination codes and other changes related to DM
* Understand specificity and time frame changes for cardiovascular coding
  
  
  
  
    
  
(scroll down the list to find webinar)  
  
  
  
  
Thursday
October 22
11:30-12:30pm
MDT 
eCQI-Utilizing Team-Based Care and Clinical Decision Support Tools in Patient Centered Environment 
Presented by QualityNet eUniversity
Webinar Description
Improve your patient outcomes by developing team based care utilizing clinical decision support.
  
  
(scroll down the list to find webinar) 
  
  
  
  
Tuesday
November 3
1-2 pm MDT 
Unleashing the Power of Data
Presented by QualityNet eUniversity
Webinar Description
This session in the Sharing Knowledge, Improving Health Care Series is open to QIN-QIOs, partners, providers, and beneficiaries.  
Tip on registering -
* Click the register link
* Click on the Upcoming tab
* Scroll down to locate National LAN Call, and click Register
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Wednesday
November 4
1-2pm MDT  
MU 2015 Step by Step to Attestation
Presented by Health Technology Services
Webinar Description
Join us to learn the step by step action items needed for your successful attestation of meaningful use for the 2015 reporting year. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions to the webinar.
Topics include
* Walk through of the entire meaningful use process from determining eligibility through attestation preparation
* You will be given a 2015 MU checklist to assist you with the management of your 2015 meaningful use tasks  

  
  
  
  
  
Thursday
November 19
11:30-12:30pm MDT 
2015 PQRS Reporting Requirements
Presented by QualityNet eUniversity
Webinar Description
Join us for an overview of the changes and methods related to the 2015 PQRS reporting requirements.

register
(scroll down the list to find webinar)
 
Did You Miss our Latest Webinars on MU Audits - 2015 Changes and QRUR-An Important Part of PQRS?
  
Are you concerned about a possible MU Audit?  On September 1, Randy Haight (WY Dept. of Health), Deb Anderson (HTS Business Relationship Manager) and Sharon Phelps (Mountain-Pacific Population Health Improvement Lead), gave us an update on 2015 Changes in MU Audits.  Don't miss the MU Audits presentation.
 
Do you find PQRS confusing? On August 5, Sarah Leake, HTS Quality Reporting and Payment Reform Specialist, clarified what the QRUR is and why it is important.  View the QRUR recording.
 
Do you have a webinar topic you would like us to present?  Email your hot topic to Susan ClarkeSee our upcoming webinars.
Top 5 - What You Need to Know Now      
US Dept. of HHS News - October 6, 2015
"The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) today released final rules that simplify requirements and add new flexibilities for providers to make electronic health information available when and where it matters most and for health care providers and consumers to be able to readily, safely, and securely exchange that information.
 
The final rule for 2015 Edition Health IT Certification Criteria (2015 Edition) and final rule with comment period for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Incentive Programs will help continue to move the health care industry away from a paper-based system, where a doctor's handwriting needed to be interpreted and patient files could be misplaced."
  
Fact Sheet: EHR Incentive Program and HIT Certification Program Final Rules - October 6, 2015
"How does this affect providers?
  • In 2015, providers need to report on their use of EHRs for any continuous 90 days within Calendar Year 2015 (or within the period October 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015 for hospitals) by February 29, 2016. This may be extended to the end of March if providers need more time.
  • For 2016 and 2017 for both Medicare and Medicaid providers (and 2018 for Medicaid providers), providers that are new to the EHR Incentive Programs need to have additional flexibility and can report on any 90 days.
  • Health care providers are actively working to improve the way they deliver care by better using technology today, and change takes time, so most of the changes aren't required until 2018, allowing time to plan. For providers who are ready to move forward, they can transition to the next phase in 2017.
  • For Medicare providers experiencing difficulty, CMS encourages applying for hardship exceptions, which are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For example, providers switching EHR vendors or who have other technology difficulties may be eligible for a hardship exception."
Read the full DPHHS press release.
  
  
Read the CMS final rule  Read the ONC final rule.
 
We are here to help you with your meaningful use needs?  Contact HTS - we'll be happy to help you.
  
CMS Update - 9/22/2015
"Medicare eligible hospitals that are not meaningful EHR users will be subject to a payment adjustment beginning on October 1, 2015. This payment adjustment is applied as a reduction to the applicable percentage increase to the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) payment rate, thus reducing the update to the IPPS standardized amount for these hospitals.
  
Eligible hospitals receive the Medicare payment adjustment amount that is tied to a specific fiscal year. An eligible hospital that did not successfully demonstrate meaningful use for an applicable EHR reporting period in 2014 will receive a reduction to the IPPS applicable percentage increase in fiscal year 2016.
  
For the eligible hospitals who received a Medicare payment adjustment letter for 2016, the application submission period for reconsiderations is October 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015. The application will be posted on October 1, 2015."
 
For more information, read the CMS Medicare fact sheet on the 2016 payment adjustments for Medicare eligible hospitals.
 
Questions about Meaningful Use?  Contact Health Technology Services - we are happy to help.
 
CMS Update - 9/25/2015
"Yes, if a provider switches EHR vendors during the Program Year and is unable to demonstrate meaningful use, the provider may apply for an Extreme and/or Uncontrollable Circumstances hardship exception; and if approved, may be exempt from the payment adjustment." 
  
Also, what happens if your vendor EHR program is decertified?
"If your product is decertified, you can still use that product to attest if your EHR reporting period ended before the decertification occurred. If your EHR reporting period ended after the decertification occurred, you can apply for a hardship exception. If the decertification occurs after the hardship exception period has already closed for the payment adjustment year which would be applicable for your reporting period, please contact CMS Hardship Coordinator at [email protected] to apply for a hardship exception under the Extreme and/or Uncontrollable Circumstances category per CMS discretion to allow such an application.
  
Also, if you are a first time participant at a group practice which is switching products and the product is decertified after the hardship deadline, contact CMS at [email protected]."
  
It is important that covered entities understand the HIPAA Privacy Rule and how important everyone's role is in keeping protected health information (PHI) safe.
  
Here are a few case examples.  A hospital employee leaves PHI on their patient's daughters phone.  HMO sends an entire medical record to the insurance company without prior authorization.  A hospital released PHI to the local media without prior authorization.  A medical practice staff discusses a diagnosis in the patient waiting room.  A pharmacy employee placed the customer's insurance card in another customer's prescription bag.
  
Check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more case examples and resolution agreements.
 
Need help with your clinic or hospital's privacy and security needs? Contact Susan Clarke
  
CMS Update - 9/22/2015
"In 2016, CMS will apply a negative payment adjustment to individual eligible professionals (EPs), Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) practice sites, and group practices participating in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) group practice reporting option (GPRO) (including Accountable Care Organizations [ACOs]) that did not satisfactorily report PQRS in 2014. Individuals and groups that receive the 2016 negative payment adjustment will not receive a 2014 PQRS incentive payment.
  
EPs, CPC practice sites, PQRS group practices, and ACOs that believe they have been incorrectly assessed the 2016 PQRS negative payment adjustment may submit an informal review between September 9, 2015 and November 9, 2015 requesting CMS investigate incentive eligibility and/or payment adjustment determination. All informal review requestors will be contacted via email of a final decision by CMS within 90 days of the original request for an informal review. All decisions will be final and there will be no further review.
  
All informal review requests must be submitted electronically via the Quality Reporting Communication Support Page (CSP) which will be available September 9, 2015 through November 9, 2015 at 11:59 pm ET.
 
Please see 2014 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS): Incentive Eligibility & 2016 Negative Payment Adjustment - Informal Review Made Simple (available on the Analysis and Payment section of the PQRS website) for more information."
  
CMS has posted a fascinating video which you can now find on YouTube! - PQRS/Value-Based Payment Modifier: What Medicare Professionals Need to Know in 2015.
All kidding aside, the video recording can be a great resource for initial viewers or those that want a refresher on the requirements of this Quality Program for 2015.
 
Reporting for PQRS is for the entire 2015 year and the deadlines for reporting will be in February or March of 2016 depending upon your mechanism chosen for reporting measures.  At this point you should be engaged in the tasks for this program.  The presentation has been posted to the CMS MLN Connects� page on YouTube.  This presentation is the same as the webinars that were delivered on March 31, 2015 and April 7, 2015 by the Philadelphia Regional Office.  Link to the video. 
 
Need help with PQRS - take a look at our Quality Program Reporting Assistance, or contact Sarah Leake, Quality Reporting and Payment Reform Specialist, directly.
  
       HTS Contact Information      
Health Technology Services is a department of Mountain-Pacific Quality Health Foundation, QIN-QIO for Alaska, Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming.  Together we can help you use technology to deliver the quality care your patients deserve!
 
Thank-You!                   

Health Technology Services
Mountain-Pacific Quality Health
Contact HTS at (406) 457-5897