IMPORTANT DEADLINE 12-12-12 FOR PQRS

Newsletter
December 11, 2012
IMPORTANT DEADLINE 12-12-12 FOR PQRS
(Physician Quality Reporting System)

 

The Chiropractors in our Chiropractic profession have worked for over 100 years to help Chiropractic grow and be accepted by the public. We have been very successful in being included into insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, PPO's, etc. However, now that we are in Medicare we have to meet qualifications and demands by the Federal Government to take part in reporting certain quality measures due to healthcare reform.

Please see link to the CMS Website for more information about PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System):
 https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/PQRS/downloads/2012PQRS_SatisfRprtng-Claims_Final508_1-13-2012.pdf

To determine if you are eligible to participate in PQRS:  
https://www.cms.gov/PQRS

Even though it is a voluntary program with incentives, it is also a program that will take away from your future earnings if you do not participate.

My guess is about 5 Chiropractors out of every 25 are participating in PQRS. This is NOT A GAME! This is serious business! We are going into the final window of opportunity.

The Physicians Quality Reporting System (PQRS), was introduced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and a new part of healthcare reform. The program created in 2007, established a financial incentive to eligible healthcare professionals to participate in a voluntary quality reporting program. Providers who participate and report quality measures receive a 0.5% payment incentive.

Why is it so important? CMS recently ruled that providers not successfully participating in PQRS by 2013 reporting period (January 1 - December 31, 2013), will have their Medicare reimbursement decreased by 1.5% beginning in 2015, and 2% in 2016. The 2012 reporting period is the last opportunity providers have to voluntarily participate.

It is easier than you think. However, it requires a certified software company to walk you through the paces. Please follow the links and get informed.