This week CSMS joined forces with other state specialty societies (Connecticut Society of Plastic Surgeons, Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians, Connecticut Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Society, Connecticut ENT Society, Connecticut Urology Society and the Fairfield County Medical Association) to encourage the Finance Committee to pass SB 1131 AN ACT CONCERNING THE AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS TAX.  […]

The Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for opioid analgesic drug products used in the outpatient setting, and to provide two helpful resources that are a part of the Opioid Analgesic REMS. We ask you to consider the development and/or distribution of […]

MICHAEL M. KRINSKY, MD, AND MYRON GENEL, MD From the Editors’ Desk, April 2019, Connecticut Medicine  There is a notion that marijuana is innocuous, and being relatively harmless, it should be legal for recreational use – that it is not really any more dangerous than, say, hula hoops. This idea is rampant, embraced by many […]

Providing monthly updates on PAI’s activities and QPP news for you and your practice. QPP Tip of the Month: Check Your Eligibility for 2019 With the close of the reporting period for submission of your 2018 MIPS performance data, physicians and groups should check their eligibility for the 2019 MIPS participation year using the QPP […]

Join CMS on April 10 for the 2019 MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Webinar CMS is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 10 at 1:00 PM ET to provide information about the Promoting Interoperability (PI) performance category of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in Year 3 (2019) of the Quality Payment Program. During the […]

CMS has contracted with Acumen, LLC to develop care episode and patient condition groups for use in cost measures to meet the requirements of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). As part of the development and maintenance processes, Acumen is seeking nominations from clinicians to participate in Clinical Subcommittees that will […]

The data submission period for the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) closed on April 2, 2019. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently in the process of reviewing all the data submitted. We would like to thank all of the clinicians who submitted their data, as well as the qualified clinical […]

We, the undersigned, as presidents of our state medical societies, have joined together to express our mutual opposition regarding our states’ approval of any policies that legalize recreational marijuana. We have serious concerns about the lack of scientific evidence that supports recreational marijuana use by adults and young adults. Most importantly, not enough research has […]

  The PQRS program ended on December 31, 2018, and CMS is retiring the website on March 29, 2019. All of the posted resources currently on the website will no longer be available after March 29, 2019. Please download or read any educational materials on the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) website before it retires. […]

The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) members have discussed and debated the issue of aid in dying for many years. CSMS does not take this issue or policy lightly, nor do we wish to impugn those who have opposing views on this important matter. We believe that our position reflects our strong commitment to the […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has opened the data submission period for Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinicians who participated in Year 2 (2018) of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Data can be submitted and updated any time until 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. CMS Web Interface users […]

You Have Less than 1 Month to Submit MIPS Year 2 (2018) Data for the Quality Payment Program The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially opened the data submission period for Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinicians who participated in Year 2 (2018) of the Quality Payment Program. Data can be […]

The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) was one of nearly 100 state and national physicians’ advocacy organizations that signed a letter that the American Medical Association (AMA) sent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to urge it to “provide guidance to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans on prior authorization (PA) processes through its […]

CSMS sent a letter addressing key concerns and recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force Draft Report.  The letter highlighted CSMS pain medicine specialists’ evaluation of the draft report and reflected the letter provided by the Connecticut Pain […]

Physicians may submit their 2018 MIPS performance data by using the CMS QPP submission portal through March 31 to avoid a negative payment adjustment in 2020. With the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting deadline fast approaching, you may be unsure of or need additional information on the steps needed to submit your 2018 […]

CSMS, medical and specialty societies throughout the county, collaborated with the AMA to voice concern to the House Ways and Means Committee about the impact that unanticipated medical bills are having on patient out-of-pocket costs and the patient-physician relationship.  The problem of unanticipated out-of-network bills is complex, and requires a balanced approach to resolve. As […]

Webinar Details Title: Eligible Clinician eCQMs with Substantive Changes for the 2019 Performance Year Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST Registration Link: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1894265/5BD0F208DD1DEB33D1A4775AE47FBE69 This one-hour session will provide an in-depth review of the following electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) with substantive changes for the 2019 performance year: Preventive Care and Screening: Body Mass […]

You can now check the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Participation Status Tool to view your eligibility status for the 2019 performance period under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Enter your National Provider Identifier (NPI), to find out if you need to participate in MIPS during the 2019 performance year. How CMS Determines Your 2019 […]

CSMS has been heavily advocating for the legislature to address the issue of High Deductible Health Plans and the impact they have on physicians and their patients.  This Thursday, February 7 we’re thrilled to be providing testimony at the public hearing of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee in SUPPORT of  Proposed S.B. No. 28 […]

New CMS Resources for eCQM Development: The Collaborative Measure Development Workspace. The Electronic Clinical Quality Measure (eCQM) Strategy Project is an ongoing effort of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and is part of an ongoing commitment to promote efficiency through health information technology while decreasing burden to providers. CMS has now expanded the […]

To help you prepare for the 2019 performance year of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), CMS has posted the following new resources to the Quality Payment Program Resource Library. 2019 Medicare Part B Claims Measure Specifications and Supporting Documents – Provides comprehensive descriptions of the 2019 claims measures for the MIPS Quality performance category. […]

Monday, January 28, 2019 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Willimantic Brewing Company/ Main Street Cafe   Tuesday, February 5, 2019 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. D’Amelio’s Restaurant, Waterbury   Attend one (or both) of our FREE networking events to learn more about CSMS, Windham County and New Haven County Medical Associations: advocacy, education, discounts/benefits, and our HIE, […]

If you’re participating in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) or are a representative of an Alternative Payment Model (APM) that reports data to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) through the QPP website (such as a Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (ACO)), you can sign in to the QPP website to […]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) opened the Physician Compare preview period on November 30, 2018 at 10 AM ET (7 AM PT). The 30-day preview period provides an opportunity for clinicians and groups to review their 2017 Quality Payment Program performance information before it is publicly reported on Physician Compare profile pages and in the […]

The Connecticut State Medical Society is pleased to highlight our partnership with DrFirst and to offer their iPrescribe mobile e-prescribing solution to CSMS members. DrFirst is the industry leader in medication management and is the trusted partner to over 350 EHRs. We partnered with DrFirst because their applications, like iPrescribe, consistently pass stringent audits and […]

CSMS is encouraging our members to weigh in on the Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission’s draft recommendations for continuing certification programs by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15. The Vision Commission says that it “considered the input received from key stakeholders reflected in the more than 21 hours of testimony and results […]

The 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule final rule included several changes when it comes to payment for evaluation-and-management (E/M) services. Physicians should make note about three things in next year’s fee schedule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS has postponed the E/M coding “collapse” for at least two years. CMS will […]

Physicians, hospitals and behavioral health providers participating in the CTHealthLink health information exchange will appreciate access to a new analytic dashboard—Opioid/Controlled Substances.   Developed by physicians in response to the widespread opioid crisis in this country, the new tool supplements the currently available Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). The tool builds upon a more comprehensive set […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a roadmap with details of their three-pronged approach to combating the opioid epidemic going forward: 1) prevention of new cases of opioid use disorder (OUD); 2) treatment of patients who have already become dependent on or addicted to opioids; and 3) utilization of data from across […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the list of Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) that are fully specified and are available to be used for the 2019 performance period in the Quality Payment Program, which were finalized in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule. Updated list of eCQMs and […]

QPP Tip of the Month The “test” and “partial” participation options that were available for the CY 2017 MIPS participation period are no longer available for the CY 2018 MIPS participation period. To avoid the 2020 MIPS payment adjustment, based on 2018 MIPS participation, physicians will need a minimum of 15 points across all four […]

It is heartbreaking to see the destruction caused by the current wild fires devastating California.  We thank the brave fire fighters and medical professionals who are doing whatever they can to preserve life.  Click here to learn more about how you can help. Healthcare demands rise dramatically when threatened with a natural disaster such as […]

CSMS will review/examine these changes and report back to our members. Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized bold proposals that address provider burnout and provide clinicians immediate relief from excessive paperwork tied to outdated billing practices. The final 2019 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the Quality Payment Program (QPP) rule released […]

Nearly 100% of chief medical information officers (CMIOs) in US hospitals believe medication management improvement initiatives are having a positive impact and that patient safety issues are less likely to occur today, as compared to five years ago, according to a new survey from the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems (AMDIS). The survey […]

The Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI), of which CSMS is a part of, recently sent a letter in response to CMS’ request for information on the need for modernization of “anti-kickback” laws. CSMS contributed significantly to the development of this letter and it is consistent with our previous comments to CMS regarding CMMI, APMs, stark and self-referral […]

CSMS is committed to being your voice at the state Capitol and in Washington DC. Throughout this election year cycle, our dedicated team has reached out to those running for office to make sure that they know about the struggles and frustrations of our physician members. We are pleased to share highlights with you now […]

October 4, 2018 CSMS voiced opposition to the proposed CVS Aetna merger at a CT Insurance Department (CID) public hearing. We have submitted testimony (available here) that challenges the merger on anti-trust grounds.  A special thank you the American Medical Association (AMA) for their tremendous amount of support and assistance throughout this process and for […]

PAI’s QPP Tip of the Month: 2019 Virtual Group Election Process Now Open For the 2019 participation year, physicians and other eligible clinicians (ECs) have the opportunity to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) as part of a virtual group. Virtual Groups are a combination of two or more tax identification numbers (TINs) […]

Presented by: Connecticut State Medical Society, The Physician Health Foundation, and the University of Connecticut Health Center, School of Medicine The Physician Leadership Academy provides physicians with a comprehensive skill set, enhancing your ability to influence practice and policy development on a state and national level, as well as influence change within your healthcare organization. […]

Plus: Schematron, and Sample Files Are Now Available The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the 2019 CMS Quality Reporting Document Architecture (QRDA) Category III Implementation Guide (IG), Schematron, and Sample files.  The 2019 CMS QRDA III IG will help eligible clinicians and eligible professionals report electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs), improvement […]

(October 2, 2018) North Haven, CT- Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) and CTHealthLink are pleased to announce a collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS) to improve patient care through the interoperability and connectivity of health information in Connecticut. Connecticut Health Information Technology Officer Allan Hackney said, “CTHealthLink will provide a major connection […]

September 27, 2018 (North Haven, CT) – At the 226th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut State Medical Society Claudia Gruss, MD of Norwalk was inaugurated as the 180th President of the nation’s oldest medical societies. Claudia Gruss, MD is a Wilton-based gastroenterologist at the Western Connecticut Medical Group – Wilton Primary and Specialty Care who […]

September 27, 2018 (North Haven, CT) – The 2018 Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) Paul K. Maloney, Jr., MD Distinguished Service Award was presented to past CSMS President, Craig W. Czarsty, MD, DABFM, FAAFP of Watertown. The award was presented to Dr. Czarsty by CSMS President Steven Thornquist, MD at the 226th Annual Meeting of […]

September 27, 2018 (North Haven, CT) –   The 2018 Connecticut Medicine Healthcare Leader and Innovator Award (HLI) was presented to Joseph Feuerstein, MD of Weston.  The award was presented Connecticut Medicine Editor Michael Deren, MD at the 226th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut State Medical Society on September 27, 2018. The Connecticut Medicine HLI Award […]

You Have 20 days to Submit a Targeted Review Request If you participated in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2017, your MIPS final score and performance feedback are available on the Quality Payment Program website. The payment adjustment you will receive in 2019 is based on this final score. A positive, negative, or […]

On October 11th, the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) is holding a dinner event to launch and showcase their newly developed Health Equity Data Collection Guide, “How Do I Ask? Asking Sensitive Questions in the Quest to Reduce Health Disparities.” All in health care interested in learning about how this toolkit can help them and […]

The Physicians Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to advance the work of practicing physicians, recently released the findings of its 2018 survey of U.S. physicians. The new survey includes responses from almost 9,000 physicians across the country and underscores the overall impact of numerous factors driving physicians to reassess their careers. Dr. Gary Price, […]

Seven state medical societies announced the creation of the Health Equity Network for Change (HENC) which is focused on improving the health status of medically underserved populations. HENC employs a new data source, health information exchange data, and powerful analytic tools provided by KAMMCO. Medical societies in each of these states have engaged KAMMCO to […]

Providing monthly updates on the Physician Advocacy Institutes’ (PAI) activities and Quality Payment Program (QPP) news for you and your practice. PAI’s QPP Tip of the Month: Review Proposed Changes for QPP Year 3 Last month, CMS released the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule and with revisions to Year 3 of the Quality Payment Program […]