Need a little guidance when it comes to MACRA?

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) passed by the U.S. Senate goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, and replaces the Sustainable Growth Rate Formula. Michael Nusimow, CEO and Cofounder of drchrono, sheds some light on how MACRA will directly impact eligible providers and how physicians can start planning. Nusimow recommends:

• Continue to practice within the guidelines of previous and current compliance programs such as Physician Quality Recording System (PQRS) and Meaningful Use. MACRA simplifies and combines pre-existing programs such as PQRS and Meaningful Use.
• Make sure the EHR in your practice is certified on existing certification guidelines and its maker is planning on making improvements to meet new guidelines that are being published.
• Have a system in place in the event of loss of power or internet access to allow your practice to continue to work with minimal disruption.
• Enforce security and training standards for technology. Some suggestions include that each staff member has his or her own logins, has a unique and strong password, and maintains HIPAA compliance practices. For technology, make sure staff members are familiar with their responsibilities in their EHR and on the device primarily used (computer, tablet, and smartphones).
• Consider how your practice is going to work with your patient population on active care plans and personal health record enrollment.
• For smaller medical practices, automation is going to be the key to success. For larger practices, efficiency through duties and responsibilities will be important.
• Work closely with billers to ensure that the inputting of ICD-10 codes and guidelines is being met while also tracking reports on amounts billed to CMS.
• Updates on the guidelines will continue to be published from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on MACRA until Jan. 1, 2017. Make sure you review any updates.