MONTHLY NEWS
November 30th, 2016

MACRA: In Focus 
Update on the Final Rule 

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has finalized the Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Final Rule, which was released on October 14, 2016.
This article is intended to share the highlights of the Final Rule that affect how the MaineHealth ACO will participate in MACRA. There is no specific action being asked of MaineHealth ACO participants at this time.

In This Issue
WHAT'S HOT: Important Updates

2015 Value Modifier Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) Available

On September 26, 2016 CMS released QRURs for group practices.  These QRUR reports display information about how a group practice performed under the Value Modifier (VM) which evaluates performance on cost and quality metrics calculated from PQRS data and Medicare claims.  The reports also include detail about penalty and bonus information that will impact Medicare Part B reimbursement for services furnished in 2017.

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FAST FIVE: ACO Spotlight
Meet Dr. Michael Clark - Family Practice Physician at Lifespan Family Healthcare 

Each month, we'll ask one of our ACO stakeholders 5 quick questions about their life and the work they are doing. This month we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Michael Clark.


ACO: DID YOU KNOW?
Helpful Resources and Links to Keep You Informed

Office Manager Forum on December 1st 
The MaineHealth ACO is hosting an Office Manager Forum in Portland at the Dana Center in Portland on December 1. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am, and the meeting will take place from 12 pm - 1:30 pm.
The high-level agenda includes:
  • Payer updates for 2017
  • Q&A with payers
  • Update from the ACO
An invitation/agenda and RSVP will be coming soon - contact Kelly Seiler for details at 207-482-7066 or via email  here

MOVING THE NEEDLE
Progress and Shared Success from the ACO

MaineHealth ACO Meets HbA1c System Goal 
As a system, we have closed the long-standing gap on the poor control HbA1c Measure as of September 30, 2016. This notable accomplishment reflects sustained efforts at Maine Medical Center/Maine Medical Partners, Southern Maine Health Care, MidCoast, St. Mary's and Waldo Country HealthCare, as well as recent improvements at PenBay and Western Maine. Congratulations to teams who have worked so hard to meet this goal and for the continued excellent work in the field of diabetes care!

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