MIPS registration for Web Interface and CAHPS survey open through June 30, 2017

Group practices that plan to utilize the Web Interface data submission mechanism or submit the Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS) patient satisfaction survey data to satisfy requirements for the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) must register by June 30, 2017. The Web Interface is an option for groups of 25 or more eligible clinicians and requires reporting a full year of data on 15 primary care focused quality measures for a sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Groups can also use the system to submit Improvement Activities and Advancing Care Information (ACI) requirements. If your group registered for the Web Interface in 2016, it will be automatically registered to use the Web Interface in 2017. The CAHPS survey, which is available to all groups, measures patient experiences and counts as both one quality measure and one high-weighted improvement activity for MIPS. 

Group practices that do not plan to use the Web Interface, administer the CAHPS survey, or are participating in a Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (ACO) do not need to register. 

OIG agents raid nation’s largest anesthesia billing company, Anesthesia Business Consultants (ABC)

Anesthesia Business Consultants (ABC), the nation’s largest anesthesia and pain management billing company, is facing a federal investigation into healthcare fraud allegations following a raid on the company’s business in Jackson, Michigan, according to mlive.com. ABC representatives indicated the company is working with authorities to collect requested information, but wouldn’t offer any more information regarding the allegation or the nature of the fraud investigation.