2020 MSSP ACO Newsletters
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Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: December 22, 2020 / ISSUE 26
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: CMS Web Interface Beneficiary Sample Files: Now Available; Access the CMS Web Interface Starting January 4, 2021; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Calls; 2021 Public Reporting Deadline: January 22, 2021; Updates to the Marketing Toolkit and Beneficiary Notification Templates; Migration of Historical Static Reports to ACO-MS Data Hub; Helpdesk Tickets Submission Feature: Now Available in ACO-MS; ACO Spotlight Newsletter Last Issue for 2020; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Updated Shared Savings and Losses and Assignment Methodology Specifications: Now Available; 2019 Data for ACOs to Calculate Share of Services in Each Applicable Primary Service Area: Now Available; Update to Substance Use Disorder Codes Excluded from the CCLFs and BCDA API: Now Available; PY 2020 Quality Measurement Methodology and Resources Update: Available December 23rd; Updated PY 2020 Quality Measure Benchmark Document: Available December 23rd; QPP Participation Status Tool: Now Includes Third Snapshot of 2020 Qualifying APM Participant and MIPS APMs Data.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: December 09, 2020 / ISSUE 25
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Final Policy, Payment, and Quality Provisions Changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2021; HHS Finalizes Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms to Support Value-Based and Coordinated Care; Availability of Data Following the Discontinuation of the Enhanced Reports; Letter of Interest for Geographic Direct Contracting Model: Now Open; Seeking Volunteers to Participate in Interview with BCDA Researchers; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: County-Level Expenditures for PY 2020 Q3 Year-to-Date Report Period: Now Available; Refreshed Drill Down Data for 2020 Q3 Expenditure Utilization Report: Now Available; Stayer, Leaver, Joiner Resources: Now Available; PY 2021 ALR and ASR Packages: Available December 9, 2020; 2020 Q3 Opioid Utilization Report: Available December 11, 2020; December CCLF Files: Available December 14, 2020; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CCLF User Group Webinar: Using the Data Hub in ACO-MS to Access CCLFs and Reports.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: November 24, 2020 / ISSUE 24
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: 30 Days’ Advance Notice Required for Voluntary Termination; Reminder: Upcoming MIPS Important Dates and Deadlines; QP Thresholds are Increasing in 2021; Reminder: Set Up Your ACO’s HARP Account for PY 2020 Quality Reporting; Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Challenge; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Care Coordination Case Study: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Webinar: Highlights of the Care Coordination Toolkit; CCLF User Group Webinar: Using the Data Hub in ACO-MS to Access CCLFs and Reports.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: November 13, 2020 / ISSUE 23
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: ACO-MS Data Hub Reminder: Download October and November Data Files and Reports; Correction to Non-Claims Based Payment Measures in the Expenditure/Utilization Reports; 30 Days’ Advance Notice Required for Voluntary Termination; ACO Learning System Feedback Focus Groups; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: PY 2020 Quarter 3 Report Package: Now Available; November CCLF Files: Available November 13th; ACO Portal Enhanced Report: Expect Refreshed Data for EXPU and ASR PY 2020 Q3 Reports; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Webinar: Building Trusting Relationships with Beneficiaries; MSSP Learning System Webinar: Highlights of the Care Coordination Toolkit; CCLF User Group Webinar: Using the Data Hub in ACO-MS to Access CCLFs and Reports; Registration Open: Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: October 28, 2020 / ISSUE 22
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Annual Certification Period Now Open Through November 9, 2020; Enhanced Medicare Enrollment and SNF Star Rating Functionality in ACO-MS; Reminder: APM Incentive Payment Details Available; ACO Learning System Feedback Focus Groups; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: November CCLF Files; Tip Sheet on Home Dialysis Patient Education: Now Available; CMS Resource Highlighting Beneficiary Experience: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Webinar: Building Trusting Relationships with Beneficiaries; Beneficiary Claims Data Application Programming Interface Office Hours; MSSP Learning System Webinar: Highlights of the Care Coordination Toolkit; Registration Open: Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: October 15, 2020 / ISSUE 21
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Set Up Your ACO’s HARP Account for PY 2020 Quality Reporting; Steps to Take When an Employee, Consultant, or Contractor Leaves Your ACO; Sorting in ALR Table 1-4 in PY 2019 and 2019A Financial Reconciliation Report Packages; ACO Learning System Feedback Focus Groups; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Release of Shared Savings Program 2019 Benchmark Public Use Files; October CCLF Files; Second Snapshot of 2020 QP and MIPS APM Data: Now Available; Reminder: APM Incentive Payment Details are Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Webinar: ACO Strategies for Annual Wellness Visits; MSSP Learning System Webinar: Building Trusting Relationships with Beneficiaries; Registration for Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: September 30, 2020 / ISSUE 20
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Targeted Review Request Deadline: Monday, October 5th; MSSP Termination Notification for Participation in Direct Contracting Model: FAQ; Benchmark Estimation Tool and PY 2020 Q2 Report Data; Managing BCDA Credentials in ACO-MS; ACO-MS Data Hub Go-Live; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Release of Complete PY 2019 and PY 2019A Shared Savings Public Use Files; CCLF Related Files: New MBI XREF File and Exclusion File Updates; APM Incentive Payment Details: Now Available; SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Report: Expect Refreshed Data for PY 2019 and 2019A EXPU and ASR Reports; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Shared Learning Webinar: Annual Wellness Visits; ACO Learning System Feedback Focus Groups; Registration for Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: September 18, 2020 / ISSUE 19
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Last Opportunity to Make Changes and Correct Deficiencies for PY 2021: Response Due September 22nd at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET; Final Repayment Mechanism Amount Change Request Submissions for PY 2021; 30 Days’ Advance Notice Required for Voluntary Termination; Reminder: CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Comment Period Closes October 5th at 5:00 p.m. ET; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: UNEMBARGOED 2019 Financial and Quality Performance Results Released; Updated Public Reporting Template: Now Available; Quarter 2 Opioid Utilization Reports Delivered on September 15th; September CCLF Files; SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Reports: Expect Refreshed Data for EXPU and ASR Reports Reflecting PY 2020 Q2; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Registration for Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: September 2, 2020 / ISSUE 18
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Last Opportunity to Make Changes and Correct Deficiencies for Performance Year 2021: Response Due September 22, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time; Deadline Approaching for Beneficiaries Selecting a Primary Clinician to be Prospectively Assigned for 2021; PY 2022 Shared Savings Program ACO Application Redesign; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: 020 CMS Web Interface Quick Start Guide: Now Available on QPP Website; CMS Web Interface Application Programming Interface: Now Available on QPP Website; Provider Engagement Toolkit; Case Study on Fresenius Kidney Care’s Home Dialysis Program; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CCLF User Group Webinar: New Delivery Mechanism for CCLFs and Reports; Beneficiary Claims Data Application Programming Interface Office Hours; Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: August 19, 2020 / ISSUE 17
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: PY 2021 Change Request Cycle: RFI-1 Response Due at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Time on August 24, 2020; Data Use Agreement Changes; Community Health Access and Rural Transformation Model; Direct Contracting 2021 Participation Deadline Released; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: PY 2020 Quarter 2 Report Package: Available August 27th; New Case Study On Providing Primary Care To Homebound Patients: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CCLF User Group Webinar: New Delivery Mechanism for CCLFs and Reports; Share Your Experiences Launching an ACO in a Toolkit Discussion Group; Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: August 06, 2020 / ISSUE 16
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Calendar Year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Now Available for Comment; Performance Year 2021 Change Request Cycle: Next Steps; How to Review Participation Options Information in ACO-MS Applicable to PY 2021; Updated COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing; 2019 MIPS Performance Feedback, Final Score, and Targeted Review: Now Available; Reminder: Upcoming User Interface Design Changes in ACO-MS; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Updated Shared Savings and Losses and Assignment Methodology Specifications, Version 8; August CCLF Files; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Overview of the 2021 Proposed Rule for the Quality Payment Program; MSSP ACO Shared Learning Webinar: Addressing Social Determinants of Health; CCLF User Group Webinar: New Delivery Mechanism for CCLFs and Reports; Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: July 22, 2020 / ISSUE 15
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Performance Year 2021 Change Request Cycle: Next Steps; Final Repayment Mechanism Amount Change Request Submissions for PY 2021; Reminder for ACOs Transitioning to a Risk-Bearing Level of the BASIC Track: Important Repayment Mechanism Information; Screening for Clinical Depression and Follow-up Plan: Quality PY 2020 Measure Scoring Change; QPP Participation Status Tool Now Includes First Snapshot of 2020 Qualifying APM Participant and MIPS APMs Data; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: New Provider Engagement Toolkit: Now Available; New Case Study on Fresenius Kidney Care’s Home Dialysis Program: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Shared Learning Webinar: ACO Approaches to Implementing Telehealth; MSSP ACO Data Affinity Group Webinar: Designing Dashboards Using CCLF Files and Other Data Sources; MSSP ACO Shared Learning Webinar: Addressing Social Determinants of Health; Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: July 9, 2020 / ISSUE 14
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Initial Change Request Submission Period for the January 1, 2021 Performance Year: Closing on July 20th; Is Your ACO Banking Information Up to Date?; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: ACO Portal Enhanced Report – PY 2020 Historical Benchmark Update for January 2020 Starters and Renewals; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Beneficiary Claims Data Application Programming Interface: Office Hours; MSSP Learning System Shared Learning Webinar: ACO Approaches to Implementing Telehealth; MSSP ACO Data Affinity Group Webinar: Designing Dashboards Using CCLF Files and Other Data Sources; MSSP ACO Shared Learning Webinar: Addressing Social Determinants of Health; Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: June 24, 2020 / ISSUE 13
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Initial Change Request Submission Period for the January 1, 2021 Performance Year: Now Open; Updated Repayment Mechanism Arrangements Guidance: Now Available; Updated COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare Fee-For-Service Billing; Quality Measure Performance to be Reported on Physician Compare; Public Reporting and Transparency; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Quarter 1 Opioid Utilization Reports Delivered on June 10th; 2020 Driver Diagram Guidance: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: ACO Shared Learning Webinar: ACO Approaches to Implementing Telehealth; Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Virtual Learning Collaboratives: Now Open.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: June 10, 2020 / ISSUE 12
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Reminder: Actions Available During the Change Request Cycle for PY 2021; Available June 18, 2020: Final PY 2020 Financial Historical Benchmark Report Packages for ACOs With an Agreement Beginning January 1, 2020; Updated COVID-19 FAQs Related to Annual Wellness Visits Conducted via Telehealth; Best Practices for Protecting Beneficiary-Level Data; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Report: Refreshed Data for EXPU and ASR Reports Reflecting PY 2020 Q1 Data; June CCLF Files; Updated Tip Sheets for the Upcoming Change Request Cycle: Coming Soon.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: May 29, 2020 / ISSUE 11
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Actions Available During the Change Request Cycle for PY 2021; Compliance with 5,000 Assigned Beneficiary Requirement; Reporting Fraud to the Office of the Inspector General; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Quality Measure Benchmarks: Now Available; PY 2020 Measure Information Forms for the Informational Claims-Based Measures: Now Available; HIPAA Breach Reporting Tool.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: May 18, 2020 / ISSUE 10
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:2021 Annual Application Cycle for New ACOs; 30 Days’ Advance Notice Required for Voluntary Termination; Extreme and Uncontrollable Policy FAQ; COVID-19 FAQs: Shared Savings Program Beneficiary Notification Update; ACO-14/PREV-7 Preventive Care and Screening: Influenza Immunization Update; PY 2020 Quarter 1 Report Package: Available May 21st; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: QPP Participation Status Tool Update; How Do I Check My MIPS APM Status?; May CCLF Files.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: May 1, 2020 / ISSUE 9
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Interim Final Rule with Comment Released Announcing Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency; Updated COVID-19 FAQs Related to Shared Savings Program Quality Reporting; Revised Schedule for Change Request Cycle for Performance Year Beginning on January 1, 2021: Now Available; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Report – Drill Down Data for PY 2020 Historical Benchmark Expenditure Utilization Report: Now Available; Reminder: Materials from Cross-Model Primary Care Webinar on ACO-MS Knowledge Library; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Spring 2020 IPLCs Canceled.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: April 15, 2020 / ISSUE 8
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Reminder: CMS Web Interface Quality Reporting Deadline for ACOs Extended to April 30, 2020; CMS Dear Clinician Letter; COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Reports: PY 2020 Historical Benchmark EXPU and ASR Reports; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Spring 2020 IPLCs Canceled.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: April 6, 2020 / ISSUE 7
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Reminder: CMS Web Interface Quality Reporting Deadline for ACOs Extended to April 30, 2020; CMS Releases Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency; Information on Section 1812(f) SNF 3-Day Rule Waiver for ACOs and SNF Affiliates Approved to Utilize the SNF 3-Day Rule Waiver Under 42 CFR § 425.612; Best Practices When Contacting the QPP Service Center; Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champions Challenge: Deadline Today.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: March 23, 2020 / ISSUE 6
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: CMS Web Interface Quality Reporting Deadline for ACOs Extended to April 30, 2020; CMS Emergency Preparedness Webpage; PY 2020 Preliminary or Adjusted Historical Benchmark Report Packages Available March 30, 2020; Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champions Challenge is Open; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Q4 Opioid Utilization Reports Delivered on Monday, March 9, 2020; March CCLFs and Claims Run-Out Files; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Upcoming Cross-Model Webinar – Leveraging Primary Care to Support Patients with Chronic Conditions: Insights from Southcentral Foundation; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; Registration Open for Spring 2020 IPLCs.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: March 04, 2020 / ISSUE 5
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: CMS Web Interface to Close on Tuesday, March 31, 2020; For ACOs Approved to Use the SNF 3-Day Rule Waiver: SNF Claims With a 3-Day Qualifying Hospital Stay Returned to Provider in Error; Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champions Challenge is Open; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Report: Refreshed Drill Down Data for PY 2019 Q4 Expenditure Utilization Now Available; Compliance Plan Tip Sheet; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; Registration Open for Spring 2020 IPLCs.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: February 20, 2020 / ISSUE 4
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Additional Information on New Telehealth Flexibilities; ACO-18/PREV-12 Preventive Care and Screening: Screening for Depression and Follow-Up Plan Scoring Updates; CMS Quality Conference: February 25–27, 2020; When and How to File a DUA Addendum; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: February CCLFs and Claims Run-Out Files; SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Reports: Refreshed Data for EXPU and ASR Reports Reflecting PY 2019 Q4 Data Available February 24th; Reminder: CMS Releases Beneficiary Engagement Toolkit; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; Save the Date for Spring 2020 IPLCs.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: February 05, 2020 / ISSUE 3
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: PY 2019 Quarter 4 Report Packages: Available February 13th; Reminder: Benchmark Estimation Calculators Are Available to Evaluate Financial Performance; Data Use Agreement Extensions Processed; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Learning System: Case Study on Atlantic’s Patient Navigator Program Released; Reminder: CMS Releases Beneficiary Engagement Toolkit; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CCLF User Group Webinar: CCLF Overview for 2020 Starters; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: January 23, 2020 / ISSUE 2
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: New and Enhanced ACO-MS Functionality; DUA Numbers Assigned in ACO-MS for New ACOs Starting January 1, 2020; 2020 Public Reporting Deadline Extended to February 14, 2020; CMS Web Interface: Now Open for Submission; January CCLFs; Is Your ACO Governing Body Due for a Checkup?; Reminder: Beneficiary Claims Data API’s Beta Partner Pilot Program Expanding; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: PY 2020 Claims-based Measure Information Forms: Now Available; SSP ACO Portal Enhanced Report: Refreshed Data for ASR Reports Reflecting Preliminary Prospective / Prospective PY 2020 Data’; Learning System: Case Study on Atlantic’s Patient Navigator Program Released; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CCLF User Group Webinar: CCLF Overview for 2020 Starters.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: January 10, 2020 / ISSUE 1
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: CMS Announces January 1, 2020 Shared Savings Program ACOs; CMS ACO Coordinators and Data Use Agreement Numbers for New ACOs; New Telehealth Flexibilities Available Beginning January 1, 2020; Reminder: SNF Affiliates Now Required to Include Demonstration Code 77 on SNF 3-Day Rule Waiver Claims; Reminder: The 2020 Public Reporting Deadline is February 7, 2020; 2020 Medicare Shared Savings Program Interaction Guide; QPP Participation Status Tool Now Includes Third Snapshot of 2019 Qualifying APM Participant and MIPS APMs Data; Reminder: ACO Spotlight Newsletter Moving to Biweekly Schedule; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: 2020 Shared Savings Program Report Schedule; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Shared Savings Program ACO Data Affinity Group Webinar: Building Predictive Models Using CCLF Files and Other Data Sources; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Weekly Support Call.
Source: CMS