CMS launches new physician engagement initative

CMS launches new physician engagement imitative
On October 13, CMS announced a push to improve physician engagement and their experience within the Medicare system. To achieve this goal, the agency is trying to reduce the reduce administrative burdens that physicians have to handle with the new Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).

“Physicians and their care teams are the most vital resource a patient has. As we implement the Quality Payment Program under MACRA, we cannot do it without making a sustained, long-term commitment to take a holistic view on the demands on the physician and clinician workforce,” said Andy Slavitt, CMS Acting Administrator, in a press release. “The new initiative will launch a nationwide effort to work with the clinician community to improve Medicare regulations, policies, and interaction points to address issues and to help get physicians back to the most important thing they do—taking care of patients.”

CMS has begun an 18-month pilot program to reduce medical reviews for certain physicians. The pilot will relieve some of the scrutiny that certain types of advanced Alternative Payment Models (APM) providers receive for medical review programs. Advanced APMs were considered for this pilot they share financial risk with the Medicare program, giving them a powerful motivation to deliver the most efficient care possible. Once the pilot is over, CMS will analyze the results to see if they can be replicated in additional advanced APMs, specialties, and provider types.

“Like all successful changes, we will begin with the basic steps and build over time,” said Ashby Wolfe, MD, MPP, MPH, Region IX chief medical officer. “Most importantly, we are excited to build on the listening and engagement process we began this year by creating more opportunities for physicians to interact with CMS, especially through our regional offices.”