Analytical Approach to MACRA

MACRA is upon us and the urgency to act is paramount. However, rather than panicking and throwing away resources without a plan, we recommend more of an analytical approach. Find what tasks are needed, determine where you are, decide upon what can you do, make a plan and implement on a timely basis. October 2^nd, 2017 is the last day to start collecting data for MACRA. For some healthcare professionals this means nothing so let me put it into context:

• Failure to act will expose some healthcare professionals and organizations to a 4% penalty on payments which may go up to 9% in the near future;
• On the other hand, those participating may receive up to 5% increase in payments and a bonus of 27%;

Who will you prefer to be? The one receiving a 9% deduction in your current payments or the one receiving 41% more? I think that the answer for most of us is simple, but the timing to act sucks. There are many options to consider and even when given such a short fuse, you can still act now and ensure that you are not at the end of this pendulum. First and foremost, if you are not or do not employ any of the following healthcare providers then MACRA does not apply to you:

• MD/DO
• Physician Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• CRNAs
• Clinical Nurse specialists
• Groups of previous blocks

If MACRA does apply to you, then we recommend you:

• Ensure you have or are using a qualified electronic health record;
• Complete a HIPAA Security Assessment ASAP;
• Review your quality measures and those covered under MACRA and make sure you are documenting properly in your electronic health record;
• Review the categories under Advancing Care Information and ensure you fulfill all of the base score measures;
• Report data in a timely basis.

Base Score Measure for Advancing Care Information are as follows:

• Protect Patient Information – Complete HIPAA Security Risk Assessment
• At least one electronic prescription documented in your system
• Access thru portal for at least one patient
• Send Summary of Care to at least one patient
• Request/Accept Summary of Care for at least one patient.

Of course, there is a lot more to be done, but rather than panicking over what's to come, take an approach to ensure that your time is not wasted and that you perform the required actions as efficiently as possible. Don't forget! Early next year there will be a conference that will cover some of MACRA’s requirements and updates. You can find out more about this conference by visiting:

https://www.epiconferences.com/

Meanwhile, if you need customized assistance, you can contact Taino Consultants via email at info@tainoconsultants.com for more guidance. The best advice above all is to look a MACRA as a numbers exercise and consider your options from an analytical standpoint.