Are you having significant difficulties meeting MIPS requirements due to COVID-19?

Not all practices have been affected by COVID-19 to the same extent. That’s why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is implementing its Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy intended for health professionals, groups and virtual groups participating in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Under the policy, those who have encountered circumstances that were out of their control, such as COVID-19, may apply to re-weight any or all MIPS performance categories. 

Submit your application here by 7 p.m. CST onDec. 31, 2020, and be sure to cite COVID-19 as the reason for your application. 

Learn more with CMS’ Fact Sheet. 

If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.

Mental Health Crisis Intervention – Assembling the Right Tools for Your Patients

December 10 | Noon to 1 p.m. 

Increasing numbers of individuals across all segments of society are struggling with mental health issues or suffering from mental illness. But the availability of healthcare professionals and resources to assist these individuals continues to be a challenge. This webinar will highlight how to identify and respond appropriately to signs of mental illness in patients, and how to assist them in finding resources and support for addressing their issues. 

• Registration is open to ISMS members and their practice administration staff at no cost.
• CME offered.
• Register here. 

Reporting Requirements for COVID Financial Assistance: What, When, and How Do I Need to Report?

December 16 | Noon to 1 p.m. 

In the months since COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency, many physician practices have pursued funding opportunities made available as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Specifically, many practices received funding through one of the Provider Relief Fund programs and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This webinar will cover the rules and regulations for Provider Relief Fund and PPP grant recipients, including conditions of acceptance of the funding allocations, acceptable funding uses, and the latest guidance on post-payment reporting requirements.

• Registration is open to ISMS members and their practice administration staff at no cost.
• Register here.

  If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the nation’s opioid epidemic has become even more complicated and deadly. At least 30 states have reported an increase in opioid fatalities since the start of the pandemic. 

The goal of the Providers' Clinical Support System (PCSS)* is to assist physicians to get the training they need to prescribe buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). PCSS developed an 8-hour Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) waiver course that is being offered online at no cost.  

Take this course to become a waived physician: 8 Hour Online MAT Waiver Training

Which MAT induction method is better: home or office? 

A study is underway to compare the effectiveness of of three methods for beginning medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder: in an observed setting in a primary-care office, observed via telehealth and at home. Learn more about the Home versus Office versus Telehealth for Medication Enhanced Recovery (HOMER) project (scroll down to “New Family Medicine Research Study”). 

If you have questions please contact ISMS' advocacy team at 800-782-4767 ext. 1470, or by email.

*PCSS offers training and mentoring in response to the prescription opioid overdose epidemic. View PCSS' partner organizations.

If your patients want to obtain health insurance through Get Covered Illinois, the official Marketplace for Illinois under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), let them know that the open enrollment period is open now and ends December 15.

If your patients are planning to re-enroll, here are some tips: 

•  Currently enrolled patients will be automatically re-enrolled in a similar policy for 2021 if they take no action. However, even if the same insurance company is operating the plan, the details of most plans change from year to year. Patients can ensure they have the best plan for their needs by revisiting ALL plan options for 2021.

•  Even if patients are not switching plans, it is very important that they update their income and household information.

  If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.