Defining "meaningful use:" Numerous studies have demonstrated the advantages of electronic health records (EHRs) over paper records, including increased quality of patient care. Despite these studies, many physicians have been reluctant to make the necessary capital investments in EHRs for a number of reasons, including cost. To help overcome some of these hurdles, the federal government has developed an EHR incentive program to encourage physicians to purchase and use EHR programs. The final regulations for the program were issued on July 13. Your ACC has developed a new detailed analysis and tools that focus on the requirements for physicians who primarily practice in an outpatient setting. The resources address questions to consider before participating; eligibility requirements; reporting requirements; meaningful use definitions; EHR certification criteria; and more.
Read the complete analysis.
ACC research panel explores current state of cardiology. The intersection of a growing elderly population, high rate of uninsured Americans, weakened economy and changes in the CMS reimbursement structure has created a perfect storm that is testing the limits of the U.S. health care system and physician practice models. Check out the latest findings from over six months of research with 350 cardiologist panel members on topics ranging from the future of private practice, EMR adoption challenges and more.
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Don't miss the claims submission deadline for the UnitedHealth Group Settlement. Over $350 million is available as part of the settlement to any and all providers who submitted "non-network" claims to UnitedHealth Group between 1994 and 2010. Your ACC has teamed up with the Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG) to help members in obtaining data, identifying eligible claims and submitting all necessary paperwork to the settlement administrator by the October 5 deadline. Given the 15-year window for eligible claims, providers must contact MCAG by Sept. 21. As part of the ACC/MCAG partnership, ACC and American Medical Association (AMA) members will receive discounts on MCAG services. It is important when contacting MCAG to let them know that you are an ACC and/or an AMA member to receive the discounted rates. The MCAG phone number is 800-355-0466. For more information on MCAG
click here.
Register now for the next Evolving Models of Cardiovascular Practice Symposium. The two-day conference will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort in Naples, Fla., from Nov. 5-6. The conference looks to help physicians and/or practice administrators make the best decisions for their respective practices given the changing health care environment. Participants will learn about various practice alignment and integration models from experienced managing physicians and practice administrators, legal and governance experts and will receive critical information on policies, proposals and the practical implications of change.
Learn more and register.
Questions/Comments contact ACC Advocate Editor Steve Erickson at advocate@acc.org.