1. Logging into Delta-Exchange
2. Clicking on the Online Seminars link in the left column
3. Browse the list of archived seminars under On-demand Webinars in the right column

• Pay-for-reporting, not pay-for-performance
• Multiple ways to participate/report
• Registry participation is the most promising path for small- and medium-sized practices
• PQRS is not a substitute for local quality improvement efforts
• Penalties began in 2015 and will continue through 2018 for those who did not successfully report two years earlier (e.g. -2.0% in 2017 and 2018 if no successful reporting in 2015 and 2016, respectively).
• PQRS outcomes are partially used to calculate the value-based payment modifier
• In 2019 and beyond, PQRS will be replaced by the merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS)

PQRS Reporting Options

Individual eligible professionals (EPs) may report information on individual PQRS quality measures or group measures using the following mechanisms:

• Medicare Part B claims-based reporting (CPT II or G codes)
• CMS-approved registry (PQRSwizard (aafp.pqrswizard.com) is one option)
• Certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) product
• CEHRT via data submission vendor
• Qualified clinical data registry (QCDR)

Group practices should register to report as a group. EPs within a group must report as individuals if the practice did not register. Group practices may report PQRS quality measures using the following mechanisms:

• CMS-approved registry (PQRSwizard (aafp.pqrswizard.com) is one option)
• Web interface (for groups of 25+ EPs only)
• Certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) product
• CEHRT via data submission vendor
• Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for PQRS via CMS-certified survey vendor (for group practices of 2+ EPs) to supplement PQRS group practice reporting

Qualified Registries

A list of CMS qualified registries (www.cms.gov) is available on the CMS web site.

The American Medical Association also maintains an inventory of national clinical registries (www.ama-assn.org).

Checklist for Disaster Preparedness

• Stay informed on the evolving event, and share that information with personnel/staff/employees to ensure enough time to take appropriate action
• Maintain an updated contact list of all personnel/staff/employees, including home phone numbers, cellphones and other emergency contact number and encourage staff to share their personal evacuation plans and their availability for post-event emergency efforts
• Make decisions early about closing the office, or availability in services provided by your practice to your patients
• Communicate major changes in your office operations with patients; Be prepared to answer questions about rescheduling options, alternative treatment facilities and what they can do to maintain care of their diagnosed conditions
• Charge cell phones and laptops prior to event
• Bring office server and back up files with you in the event of an evacuation; Files may not be easily accessed on another server with different software
• In the event of an evacuation, take important office business documents, such as insurance policies, payroll information, lease agreements, etc., with you when you leave

Louisiana Volunteers in Action - https://www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov/
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals-Office of Public Health recently launched its brand new volunteer management web site. LAVA, or Louisiana Volunteers in Action, is the program responsible for recruiting the Department's volunteer workforce (medical and non-medical). The LAVA web site will allow individuals to register to volunteer to help the state during health emergencies and day-to-day activities. LAVA also provides web-based emergency preparedness training to volunteers at no cost.

The Louisiana Emergency Medical Unit - http://www.laemu.org
The mission of the Louisiana Emergency Medical Unit (LEMU), a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation, is to increase emergency surge capacity by providing high-quality basic medical care during periods of emergency and disaster as a community service to the citizens of Louisiana.To contact LEMU during a disaster or for immediate assistance, please call (337) 852-8771.

Web Resources and Links

Mercy Flight Southeast - http://www.mercyflightse.org/
A non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1983. Their mission is to provide free air transportation to children and adults with medical and other compelling humanitarian needs. 850+ plus pilots provide their time, fuel, and personal planes completely free to passengers. This organization manages requests for humanitarian flights in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.