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Sept. 10, 2014 | Issue 96 |
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Government Affairs
With Federal Approval of Healthy Pa., Prepare for New Patients
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Eligible uninsured patients can begin applying online for subsidized private insurance through Healthy Pennsylvania starting Dec. 1, with coverage set to begin Jan. 1, 2015. While many details need to be addressed, more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians will be eligible due to falling under 133 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. There will be a low- and high-risk plan which will have differing benefits. Many current Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be the insurers for Healthy Pennsylvania, so if you currently accept Medical Assistance products, you can anticipate new patients in the New Year.
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Practice Advocacy
CMS Allows Flexibility for 2014 Meaningful Use Reporting
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published a final rule allowing health care providers more flexibility in using their EHR system to achieve Meaningful Use for the 2014 reporting period. Public comments were gathered to assist CMS in ways to help providers implement and meaningfully use their EHRs. Providers can now use 2011 certified editions or a combination of 2011 and 2014 certified editions to successfully report in 2014. For 2015 reporting, all providers must be use a 2014 certified edition. For more information, visit the EHR Incentive Programs and HealthIT.gov websites.
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Education
New! Direct Primary Care Webinar Coming in October! |
The PAFP is excited to announce a new, live free webinar available to all PAFP members on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Join us on the PAFP Community from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a one-hour introduction to the Direct Primary Care model, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session with our panel speakers after the presentation. Click here for more information and to register!
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Public Health
What's Your Emergency Plan?
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Results from a recent survey show sizable gaps among practices in emergency planning. The PAFP and Drexel University are providing a lunchtime mini-webcast CME series for your practice. Mark these dates (12:15 through 12:45 p.m.):
• Nov. 5: Primary care physician roles in disasters, importance of preparedness
• Nov. 6: Risk and hazard vulnerability assessment for medical practices
• Nov. 12: Planning for disasters: key elements of business continuity planning for medical practices
• Nov. 13: Evaluating the practice emergency plan: training and drills
• Nov. 19: Communicating with patients: voicemail, websites, social media
• Nov. 20: Preparing patients with special health care needs for emergencies
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Quality Improvement
CEHRT Flexibility Resources for CMS Final Rule |
• 2014 CEHRT Rule Quick Guide – guide provides corresponding resources based on the option a provider chooses to participate in the EHR Incentive Programs in 2014
CMS and Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC) recommended timeline to extend Stage 2 through 2016
For assistance with Meaningful Use, contact Deb Hammaker, CHTS-CP, CHTS-IS, PCMH CCE.
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Residents & Students
Career Fairs, Conference Coming Soon! |
September Primary Care Career Fairs coming to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – still time to register!
Great learning and networking opportunity for those interested in working in underserved communities, FQHCs and CHCs, rural health centers. Enjoy free food, free parking, and qualify to win gifts and prizes including an iPad Mini.
Don’t miss this great annual event for residents, students, and 80 residency programs from all over the northeast region. See you there!
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