2021 MSSP ACO Newsletters
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Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: December 15, 2021 / ISSUE 25
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Initial Assignment List Report and Assignment Summary Report Packages: Delivered December 10th; PY 2021 CMS Web Interface Patient Sample Excel Files: Available December 21st; Reminder: Set Up Your ACO’s HARP Account for PY 2021 Quality Reporting; ACO-MS Voluntary Terminations Enhancements: Available December 16th; PY 2021 Q3 Opioid Utilization Report: Delivered December 8th; ACO-MS API Key Management/Command Line Interface Tool to Download CCLF Files; December CCLF Files; BOSC Customer Satisfaction Survey Expanded to All Shared Savings Program Inquiries.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: December 02, 2021 / ISSUE 24
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: ACO Signing Event Period Now Open Through December 6, 2021; PY 2022 Updates to Assignment List Report and Assignment Summary Report; Managing Changes to the ACO During the Agreement Period Guidance: Now Available in ACO-MS; Check Your Initial 2022 MIPS Eligibility on the QPP Website.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: November 18, 2021 / ISSUE 23
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Change Request Cycle: Phase 2 Final Application Dispositions; ACO Signing Event; MSSP MIPS EUC Policy for Quality for PY 2021 in Response to COVID-19 PHE; 30 Days’ Advance Notice Required for Voluntary Termination; Care Compare Doctors and Clinicians Preview Period: Now Open; PY 2021 Q3 Report Package: Now Available; CCLF Information Packet V33 and Test Files; November CCLF Files; Webinar Slides.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: November 3, 2021 / ISSUE 22
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: Final Medicare Shared Savings Program Policy Changes Included in the CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule; PY 2022 Change Request Cycle Phase 2 RFI: Issued on November 3, 2021; 30 Days’ Advance Notice Required for Voluntary Termination; Second Snapshot of 2021 QP Status and APM Participation Data: Now Available; Immediately Update ACO Contacts in ACO-MS When an Employee, Consultant, or Contractor Leaves Your ACO; November CCLF Files; Case Study on HMCC’s Pharmacist-Led, Virtual Endocrinology Consult Program: Now Available.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: October 21, 2021 / ISSUE 21
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: October CCLF Files; New Resources in the QPP Resource Library: Now Available; Webinar Slides and Recordings; Best Practices for Protecting Beneficiary-Level Data; Case Study on HMCC’s Pharmacist-Led, Virtual Endocrinology Consult Program: Now Available.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: October 06, 2021 / ISSUE 20
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Change Request Cycle: Final Dispositions for Phase 1 Change Requests and Phase 2 of the Application Submission Period; CMS Updates 2020 MIPS Performance Feedback and 2022 MIPS Payment Adjustments; Creating and Managing QPP Contacts and HARP Accounts with QPP Roles in ACO-MS Resources: Now Available; Seeking ACO Panelists for Fall Webinar on Telehealth and Beneficiary Access to Care; Shared Savings Program VBC Learning System Webinar on Harnessing Data to Improve Quality: Now Available; Reminder: VBC Learning System Case Study on OneCare Vermont’s Comprehensive Payment Reform Program for Independent Primary Care Practices Available.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: September 19, 2021 / ISSUE 19
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2021 Q2 Opioid Utilization Report Delivered: September 10, 2021; September CCLF Files; Release of Shared Savings Program 2020 Benchmark Public Use Files; Details to Receive APM Incentive Payment; Case Study on WellSpan Health ACO’s Telehealth Expansion Strategy: Now Available; Reminder: Case Study on OneCare Vermont’s Comprehensive Payment Reform Program for Independent Primary Care Practices Available; Seeking ACO Panelists for Fall; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: APM Performance Pathway Webinar; Advancing Health Equity Through Value-based Care Webinar; APM Incentive Payment Webinar.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: September 09, 2021 / ISSUE 18
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Change Request Cycle Phase 1 RFI-2: Response Due September 10, 2021; Deadline Approaching for Beneficiaries Selecting a Primary Clinician to be Prospectively Assigned for PY 2022 Based on Voluntary Alignment; Medicare Shared Savings Program Voluntary Terminations Document: Now Available in ACO-MS; Reminder: CY 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Comment Period Closes September 13th; Resources in the QPP Resource Library: Now Available; Provider Engagement Digest: Now Available; Case Study on OneCare Vermont’s Comprehensive Payment Reform Program for Independent Primary Care Practices: Now Available; Webinar Slides and Recordings; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CCLF Files Expansion–January 2022; APM Performance Pathway (APP) Webinar; VBC Cross-model Webinar: Advancing Health Equity Through Value-based Care.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: August 25, 2021 / ISSUE 17
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: Unembargoed PY 2020 Financial and Quality Performance Results Released Today; Updated Public Reporting Template: Now Available; PY 2022 Change Request Cycle Phase 1 RFI-2: Issued on August 24, 2021; How to Review Participation Options Information in ACO-MS Applicable to PY 2022; Medicare Enrollment and SNF Star Rating Data Updated in ACO-MS; Addressing Overlap Deficiencies in ACO Participant Change Requests; PY 2021 Risk Standardized, All-Cause Unplanned Admissions for Multiple Chronic Conditions for ACOs Measure Information: Updated; 2020 MIPS Performance Feedback, Final Score, and 2022 MIPS Payment Adjustment Information—Update; Updated Assignment List Report and Assignment Summary Report User’s Guide; Provider Engagement Digest: Now Available; Webinar Slides and Recordings; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Medicare Shared Savings Program Learning System Webinar: Harnessing Data to Improve Quality; CCLF User Group Webinar: CCLF Files Expansion–January 2022.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: August 12, 2021 / ISSUE 16
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Change Request Cycle: Phase 1 RFI-2 to Be Issued on August 25, 2021; CAHPS® for MIPS Vendor Authorization Tool: Now Open; Creating and Managing QPP Contacts and HARP Accounts with QPP Roles in ACO-MS: Now Available; 2020 MIPS Performance Feedback, Final Score, and 2022 MIPS Payment Adjustment Information: Now Available; 2020 MIPS Payment Adjustment Factor(s) Targeted Reviews: Now Open; Managing Changes to ACO Ownership Information in ACO-MS: Now Available; PY 2021 Quarter 2 Report Package: Available August 12, 2021; August CCLF Files; Reminder: Tip Sheet on Strategies to Monitor and Improve Performance in Care Coordination Programs Available in ACO-MS; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Medicare Shared Savings Program Learning System Webinar: Harnessing Data to Improve Quality; CCLF User Group Webinar: CCLF Files Expansion—January 2022.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: July 28, 2021 / ISSUE 15
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Change Request Cycle: Phase 1 RFI-1 Response Due by August 3, 2021; Addressing Overlap Deficiencies in ACO Participant Change Requests; Form CMS-588 EFT Authorization Agreement Submission via ACO-MS; PY 2021 Risk Standardized, All-Cause Unplanned Admissions for Multiple Chronic Conditions for ACOs Measure Information: Now Available; CMS Releases Redesigned Data.CMS.gov Website; Updated PY 2019A Shared Savings Program ACO Public Use File; Tip Sheet on Strategies to Monitor and Improve Performance in Care Coordination Programs: Now Available.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: July 15, 2021 / ISSUE 14
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: Calendar Year 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Now Available for Comment; PY 2022 Change Request Cycle: Phase 1 RFI-1 to Be Issued on July 21, 2021; How to Review Participation Options Information in ACO-MS Applicable to PY 2022; Form CMS-588 EFT Authorization Agreement Submission via ACO-MS; July CCLF Files; First Snapshot of 2021 QP Status and APM Participation Data: Now Available; Educational Toolkit for ACOs: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Webinar on the Overview of the 2022 Proposed Rule for the Quality Payment Program.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: June 30, 2021 / ISSUE 13
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: PY 2022 Change Request Cycle: Next Step; 2021 APM Incentive Payment Details: Now Available; 2019 QPP Performance Information on Care Compare: Now Available; 2021 Quality Benchmarks File Update; Patient-Centered Care Digest: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Webinar on Reporting eCQMs Using the FHIR® Standard.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: June 16, 2021 / ISSUE 12
Abstract: PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES: Change Request Submission Period for January 1, 2022 Performance Year: Closes June 28th; Form CMS-588 EFT Authorization Agreement Submission via ACO-MS; Reminder: Draft 2022 CMS QRDA III Implementation Guide and Schematron for Eligible Clinicians and Eligible Professionals Programs Accepting Public Comments; Navigating Between Program Years in ACO-MS; CMS Publishes User Guide for Shared Savings Program ACOs Reporting via APP for PY 2021; Prevent and Report Potential Fraud; Patient-Centered Care Digest: Now Available; ACO Toolkits and Case Studies: Now Available on the ACO General Information Webpage.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: June 02, 2021 / ISSUE 11
Abstract: Submit Notice of Intent to Apply by Monday, June 7, 2021; Actions Available During the Change Request Cycle Starting June 8, 2021; Medicare Enrollment and SNF Star Rating Data Updated in ACO; Draft 2022 CMS QRDA III Implementation Guide and Schematron for Eligible Clinicians and Eligible Professionals Programs: Now Accepting Public Comments; 2021 MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship Exception and Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exceptions: Applications Now Open; Updated Beneficiary-Facing Voluntary Alignment Fact Sheet: Now Available; Repayment Mechanism Arrangements Guidance, Version 10: Now Available; Managing Compliance Actions in ACO-MS Tip Sheet: Now Available; June CCLF Files; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Use of the Alternative Payment Model Performance Pathway Listening Session — June 3rd; Register for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaboratives Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: May 19, 2021 / ISSUE 10
Abstract: Application Toolkit Now Available; NOIA Period Opens June 1st; PY 2021 Quarter 1 Report Package: Available May 20th; May CCLF Files; Updated eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials for 2022 Reporting: Now Available; Webinar Slides and Recordings; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Medicare Shared Savings Program: Establishing a Repayment Mechanism Webcast; Register for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaboratives Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: May 05, 2021 / ISSUE 09
Abstract: Application and Change Request Cycle Documents Now Available; NOIA Opens June 1st; FY 2022 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long Term Care Hospital Rates Proposed Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Now Available for Comment; Notice of Update to Supplemental Information for the PY 2020 Q4 Reports; PY 2021 Report User’s Guides; New Resources on QPP Library: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) Presentation to Shared Savings Program (SSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) on 2015 Edition of Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT); MSSP Learning System Webinar: Transforming Care for Patients With Complex Clinical Needs–Care Plans and Care Coordination Tools; Registration Now Open for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaboratives Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: April 22, 2021 / ISSUE 08
Abstract: CMS Response to the Impact of COVID-19 on Two Claims-Based Measures in the Medicare Shared Savings Program Measure Set for Performance Year 2020; COVID-19 Vaccine Information Will Be Included in Quarterly Beneficiary Expenditure Utilization Reports; April CCLFs and Claims Run-Out Files; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) Presentation to Shared Savings Program (SSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) on 2015 Edition of Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT); MSSP Learning System Webinar: Transforming Care for Patients with Complex Clinical Needs – Care Plans and Care Coordination Tools; Registration Now Open for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaboratives Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: April 07, 2021 / ISSUE 07
Abstract: ACO Spotlight Newsletter Refresh; Updated COVID-19 FAQs; Shared Savings Program ACOs Automatically Registered for CMS Web Interface and CAHPS® for MIPS; 2021 CAHPS® for MIPS Benchmarks: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MSSP Learning System Webinar: Transforming Care for Patients With Complex Clinical Needs; Registration Now Open for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaboratives Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: March 25, 2021 / ISSUE 06
Abstract: MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy for the 2020 Performance Period: Application Closing Soon; CMS Web Interface Submission Period: Closing March 31st; COVID-19 FAQs: Beneficiary Notification Update; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: PY 2021 Adjusted Historical Benchmark Package: Available March 25th; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Seeking ACO Speakers for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaborative Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: March10, 2021 / ISSUE 05
Abstract: Reminder: Medicare Enrollment and SNF Star Rating Data Updated in ACO-MS; Final CMS Web Interface Support Call; Updated COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing; 2020 Q4 Opioid Utilization Report Delivered; Compliance Plan Tip Sheet; COVID-19 Vaccine News and Resources; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: March CCLFs and Claims Run-Out Files; Updated 2021 Shared Savings Program Report Schedule: Now Available; Updated Stayer, Leaver, Joiner Instructions: Now Available; Updated Risk Score Calculator: Now Available; Reminder: Case Study Available on OneCare Vermont ACO’s Innovation Fund; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call; Seeking ACO speakers for the Spring 2021 Virtual Learning Collaborative Series.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: February 25, 2021 / ISSUE 04
Abstract: NOIA and Application Cycle Dates Available for a January 1, 2022 Start Date; CMS to Apply MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy for the 2020 Performance Period in Response to COVID-19, Reopen Application; ACO-MS Login Functionality; Introducing the BOSC Customer Satisfaction Survey; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Supplemental Information for the PY 2020 Quarter 4 Reports Correction; Case Study on OneCare Vermont ACO’s Innovation Fund: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: February 10, 2021 / ISSUE 03
Abstract: Maintaining ACO Governing Body Compliance; Reminder: Helpdesk Tickets Submission Feature Available in ACO-MS; Updated Shared Savings and Losses and Assignment Methodology Specifications, Version 9; Medicare Enrollment and SNF Star Rating Data Updated in ACO-MS; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: PY 2020 Quarter 4 Report Package: Available February 10, 2021; February CCLFs and Claims Run-Out Files; New Quality Payment Program Resource: Now Available; COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: What ACOs Need to Know Now; Issue Brief on ACO Approaches to Transitional Care Management and Chronic Care Management; Reminder: Case Studies Available on CMS’ Innovation Webpage; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: January 28, 2021 / ISSUE 02
Abstract: Changes to ACO-MS Login Functionality: Effective February 5th; Reminder: CMS Web Interface Data Submission Support Calls; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: January 2021 CCLFs: ACO-MS Data Hub Performance Year; New Quality Payment Program Resources: Now Available; Issue Brief on Transitional Care Management and Chronic Care Management Approaches: Now Available; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call.
Source: CMS
Title: CMS Shared Savings Program ACO Spotlight: January 14, 2021 / ISSUE 01
Abstract: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: CMS Web Interface Submission Period: Now Open; CMS Web Interface Data Submission Support Calls; 2021 Public Reporting Clarification and Deadline Reminder; January 1, 2021 Shared Savings Program ACO Statistics: Now Available; Medicare Enrollment and SNF Star Rating Data Updated in ACO-MS; 2021 Shared Savings Program Report Schedule: Now Available; Update on Historical File Transfer to ACO-MS Data Hub; ACO-MS Ending Support for Internet Explorer: Effective January 31st Starting January; RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: CMS Web Interface Resources: Now Available; January CCLF Files; Case Study on Atlantic’s Advance Care Planning Initiative; Case Study on Nebraska Health Network’s Data Management System; Case Study on Reliance Healthcare’s Emergency Department Care Coordination Program; EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: BCDA Office Hours; CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call; CMS Web Interface Biweekly Support Call.
Source: CMS