Upcoming Webinars

National focus on patient-centeredness, reducing costs, improving patient safety and clinical quality measures have led many small to mid-size practices to the adoption of formal quality improvement programs. One of the key tools in quality improvement efforts is workflow analysis. This session will provide background, strategies and tools for attendees to take back to their organizations.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to: provide an overview of quality improvement tools; discuss the importance of workflow analysis; identify key steps in workflow analysis; and share tools for attendees to take back to their practice

Join Karlen Haury, HIT and PCMH Consultant at the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care and Synōvim Healthcare Solutions, Inc., for this informative webinar.

Two available dates!

Register by clicking on a date below.

AHRQ Webinar - April 30th

Harnessing the Power of Your EHR for Quality Improvement

Health information technology (health IT) can be an important and effective tool for primary care practices to use in their ongoing QI efforts. However, significant barriers have limited these efforts. Despite these barriers, exemplary primary care practices and organizations have found ways to effectively use health IT to support QI efforts. Drawing on findings from a recently-published AHRQ white paper, this webinar highlights lessons learned by exemplary practices and is designed for primary care practices interested in improving care delivery and those who support them in making changes. 

Panelists represent a small independent primary care practice; a large academic primary care practice; and a health information network that supports primary care practices, particularly federally qualified health centers and other safety net clinics. Click on the date below to register.

Hot Topics

NPRMs on Stage 3 Requirements and 2015 Edition Certification Criteria

In March, CMS released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for Stage 3, the next step in the implementation of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. Concurrently, ONC also announced the proposed 2015 Edition certification criteria for health IT products. Both proposed rules focus on the interoperability of data across systems, and make the EHR Incentive Programs simpler and more flexible.

For more information on the Stage 3 and 2015 Edition certification criteria proposed rules, review the press release and fact sheet.

CMS and ONC invite the public to submit comments on the recently released NPRM. Submissions must be received by 11:59pm ET on May 29, 2015 in order to be considered.

NPRM Outlines Proposed EHR Requirements for Providers

On April 10, CMS issued a new proposed rule for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs to align Stage 1 and Stage 2 objectives and measures with the long-term proposals for Stage 3.

The modifications would allow providers to focus more closely on the advanced use of certified EHR technology to support health information exchange and quality improvement.

The new rule proposes a change in the reporting period for meaningful use from one year to 90 days in 2015.

For more information, the new proposed rule may be viewed online. A fact sheet about the NPRM is also available.

CMS invites the public to submit comments on the proposed rule.  Submissions must be received by 11:59pm ET on June 15, 2015 in order to be considered.

New Content on Connections Resource Site

The following documents were recently added to the Connections Resource Site. Log on to the site and check them out!

Calendar of Events and Approaching Deadlines

There are many events and deadlines approaching. The following table contains many of those relevant to the Connections members. Register for webinars and training by clicking on the time for the event.