AAFP launches MACRA Ready Web page to aid family physicians
AAFP President Wanda Filer, M.D., announced the official launch of the Academy’s member communication and education initiative to help physicians prepare for new payment models under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Filer told attendees of a town hall event at the AAFP’s 2016 Leadership Conference that the MACRA Ready Web page is “designed to help simplify the transition and provide the guidance that you will need to realize the benefits of MACRA and value-based payments.”
AAFP News (5/6)
CMS officials discuss MACRA at AAFP forum
The AAFP hosted a town hall meeting during its Annual Chapter Leader Forum in which about 300 family physicians and chapter executives had the opportunity to discuss the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act with CMS officials. CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt, who participated via conference call, said making sure regulations are flexible and practice-driven and let physicians customize performance measures are among CMS’ goals during the rule-making process. He urged physicians to provide feedback during the public comment period, which ends on June 27.
AAFP News (5/10)
Article gives physicians guidance on 60-day overpayment rule
A report in the journal Family Practice Management offers guidance to family physicians on the new CMS 60-day overpayment rule, which says Medicare overpayments not paid back to the government within 60 days of being identified will be considered a false claim. The AAFP opposed parts of the regulation during the approval process, and President Wanda Filer, M.D., said most errors linked to Medicare billing and payments are inadvertent and not fraudulent.
AAFP News (5/4)
Task force says evidence is insufficient to recommend celiac screening
The US Preventive Services Task Force’s first draft recommendation statement on celiac disease said there is insufficient evidence to weigh the benefits and harms of screening asymptomatic patients. USPSTF member Alex Krist, M.D., said physicians should use their clinical judgment to decide if patients need screening. The AAFP is reviewing the draft recommendation.
AAFP News (5/5)
NCCL delegates support increased diversity in family medicine
Resolutions supporting research and advocacy to encourage more physicians from diverse backgrounds to become family physicians were adopted by delegates at the 2016 National Conference of Constituency Leaders. Delegates also adopted a resolution asking the AAFP to study workplace violence and recommended ways to address the issue.
AAFP News (5/9)