News from MeHI
April 2020
Massachusetts COVID-19 Information
To get the latest updates on everything that is happening with the COVID-19 response in Massachusetts please visit  mass.gov/covid19. There you will find information on what actions the state is taking, how you can protect yourself, and ways you can help others during this challenging time. If you are seeking small business support, please visit the  COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses page .
Massachusetts Enlists Buoy Health
in the Fight Against COVID-19
Massachusetts residents can now use a new service from Buoy Health, a Boston-based digital health startup, to evaluate their symptoms, according to a  recent announcement from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . After answering questions from Buoy’s online health assistant, the tool will connect you with the appropriate healthcare resources based on your symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19. The service is free to all Massachusetts residents.   Learn more on Mass.Gov about this new service.
 
Also, read how Buoy Health and Boston Children’s Hospital are working together with the CDC to help people better understand what’s real and what’s fake about the coronavirus. .
MeHI Continues to Offer Health IT Support
In light of current social distancing guidelines, MeHI has postponed in-person events and workshops until further notice. New dates for these events will be set when it is safe to conduct face-to-face meetings. However, our staff is still working at full capacity and available to answer questions. Here's how to reach us:


  • For inquiries about the Mass Digital Health Initiative or Marketplace, call Paul Bosco at 617-371-3999 x221 or email bosco@masstech.org
Medicaid Updates
New! API Attestation Guide
Do you have questions about the Application Programming Interface (API) requirements for Measure 1 of Objective 5, Patient Electronic Access (PEA)? Are you unsure about the supporting documentation required for PEA Measure 1?

The API Attestation Guide for Program Year 2019 can help you navigate the complexities of attesting to PEA Measure 1. The guide is designed to assist you in meeting the API requirements, ensure the accuracy of your supporting documentation, and help you save time by getting it right the first time.
The Deadline for Program Year 2019 is
May 29, 2020
CMS has extended the Program Year 2019 deadline to May 29, 2020 . As you prepare to submit your PY2019 application, we recommend using the following tools and resources:
As always, please feel free to reach out to our Technical Assistance Team with any questions.
Mass HIway Updates
Webinar: Provider Directory 2.0
HIway Provider Directory 2.0 (PD 2.0) is the Mass HIway’s new Provider Directory.

PD 2.0 includes an expanded list of clinicians and providers who participate in HIE and the Mass HIway, as well as enhanced search features that make it easier to find their Direct Addresses.

On this webinar, we will describe how you can gain access to this valuable resource and ensure the information listed for your organization is accurate.
 
Tuesday, April 28 from Noon-1:00pm
HIway Connection Requirement and Attestation
For 2020, the  Mass HIway Regulations  (101 CMR 20.00) require all Acute Care Hospitals, Community Health Centers, and Medium and Large Medical Ambulatory Practices to connect to and use the Mass HIway.

Organizations were required to meet the requirement by December 31, 2019 and  must submit an attestation this summer . Provider Organizations who cannot meet the requirement must submit an HIE Exception Form.
Acute Care Hospitals  
Acute Care Hospitals are in  Year 4  and must send AND receive information over the Mass HIway as part of provider-to-provider communication use cases. These organizations are subject to penalties if they do not attest this summer to meeting the Year 4 requirement.
 
Large Community Health Centers and
Medium/Large Medical Ambulatory Practices  
These organizations are in  Year 3  and must send AND receive information over the Mass HIway as part of provider-to-provider communication use cases.
 
Small Community Health Centers  
Small Community Health Centers are in  Year 2  and must send OR receive information over the Mass HIway as part of a provider-to-provider communication use case.
HAUS Services
The  Mass HIway, the Massachusetts Health Information Exchange, offers HIway Adoption and Utilization Support (HAUS) Services to assist organizations in the effective deployment of Health Information Exchange ( HIE) to enhance care coordination.

HAUS services are provided free of charge to assist partnering healthcare organizations in the implementation of HIE to improve their care coordination process.

Example Use Cases include:
  • Community Partner (CP) sends Comprehensive Assessment or Care Plan to ACO/PCP for approval
  • Long Term Support Services CP receives a discharge summary from a hospital
  • Behavioral Health CP receives discharge summary from hospital ED
  • Community Service Agency sends a request for a member’s Care Plan to PCP
 

Interested in learning more about HAUS services? Contact masshiway@state.ma.us.
Upcoming Events
Supporting Family Caregivers During COVID-19
Wednesday, May 6 th , 2020 at 1:30 PM
The  Massachusetts Caregivers Coalition  is introducing a webinar series to support employers who are looking to better understand and address the needs of their employees who are family caregivers. In this first webinar of the series, we will address the realities of caregiving during COVID-19 and provide practical resources and strategies.