Published: June 1, 2016

Meaningful Use hardship exception application due July 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) extended the application deadline in February 2016 for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program hardship exception process. The deadline for Eligible Professionals, Eligible Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals is Friday, July 1, 2016, by 11:59 pm ET.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) extended the application deadline in February 2016 for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program hardship exception process. The deadline for Eligible Professionals, Eligible Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals is Friday, July 1, 2016, by 11:59 pm ET.

If a provider cannot attest for a 2015 reporting period or believes her or his attestation may be unsuccessful, the provider may apply for a hardship exception to avoid the payment adjustment in 2017. For more information on which sub-category to file under, see CMS FAQ 12845 (www.entnet.org/CMS/FAQ-12845).

CMS does not require a provider or group of providers to submit documentation for this or any other hardship category selected and CMS will not be reviewing documentation supporting the application on a case-by-case basis. CMS will review the application to record the category selected and use the identifying information to approve the hardship exception for each provider listed on the application.

You can send the application via email to ehrhardship@provider-resources.com or fax in an application to (814) 456-7132. The application and instructions can be found at www.entnet.org/content/electronic-health-records-ehr-and-meaningful-use.

More from June 2016 - Vol. 35, No. 05

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Bridging the gap

On April 27, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposal for the long-awaited replacement for the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) as the payment system for physicians participating in Medicare: the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) programs.

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Payment reform updates on website

As the payment landscape continues to shift, the Academy has created a new section on the website that is devoted to keeping Members informed on the latest updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

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Academy updates CPT for ENT articles

As part of a process to continue to provide the most up-to-date resources for our membership, Academy CPT experts have begun to reevaluate and update the Academy’s list of CPT for ENT articles.

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Crossing the payment bridge

On April 27, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long-awaited replacement for the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) as the payment system for physicians participating in Medicare: the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) programs.

Lisa C. Perry-Gilkes, MD, third from left, heads the Polaris Medical Group-ENT, LLC.

PRACTICE PROFILE Polaris Medical Group-ENT

Polaris Medical Group-ENT, LLC, in Atlanta, GA, is owned by Academy Member Lisa C. Perry-Gilkes, MD. As a solo private practitioner, Dr. Perry-Gilkes (above, third from left) employs four full-time staff members and one part-time.

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OPENING CEREMONY KEYNOTE SPEAKERMae Jemison, MD, will launch Annual Meeting

Mae C. Jemison, MD, will inspire attendees at the Opening Ceremony of the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM with stories of her adventures in space and achievements in medicine and science.

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2016 PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS John W. House, MD, on behalf of the Associates of the House Ear Institute and House Clinic

The House Ear Institute and House Clinic (HEI/HEC) are synonymous with the best in otology and neurotology clinical excellence, research, and education.

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2016 PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS Lauren S. Zaretsky, MD

A busy private practice otolaryngologist, physician practice manager, wife and mother of three, and strong leader in the AAO-HNS, Lauren S. Zaretsky, MD, makes “having it all” look effortless.

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2016 PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS Karen Jo Doyle Enright, MD, PhD

Karen Jo Doyle Enright, MD, PhD, embodies the complete person that we all aspire to be. Karen Jo is not only a leader in otolaryngology, but has actively encouraged others up into their leadership positions. This citation is given to Karen Jo Doyle Enright, MD, PhD, in recognition of her selfless work to advance our specialty and her generous and enduring friendship.

2016 PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS Hosakere K. Chandrasekhar, MD

Hosakere K. Chandrasekhar, MD, is a clinician-academic, thoroughly dedicated to patient care and resident education, who has overcome the barriers of being foreign-trained and brown-skinned with his encyclopedic knowledge of otolaryngology, his generosity with that knowledge, and his respectful care of patients.

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LEADERSHIP FORUM & BOG SPRING MEETING My mini-MBA

As vice-chair to the Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF), I was very lucky to be able to attend the 2016 AAO-HNS/F Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting in Alexandria, VA, and benefit from the wonderful mentorship and wisdom being passed along to all the residents and fellows in attendance.

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Board of Governors candidates for office 2016

Eligible BOG governors or alternate representatives will cast their votes during the BOG General Assembly meeting, Monday, September 19, in San Diego, CA.

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ACADEMY ADVANTAGE PARTNER: ENTCAREERS Think like a hiring managerExpanded from the print edition

It happens to everyone—even the best medical professionals in the industry—at least once. An internet search leads you to a clinic, hospital, or health system job posting that seems like a perfect fit. You dust off your résumé and cover letter, submit them according to the instructions … but nothing happens.

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How to write a business plan

Many years ago, one of the authors came across the book, Handbook of Law Firm Mismanagement, a tongue-firmly-in-cheek exposé on the business of a learned profession.

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Proposed fiscal year 2017 combined budget

The Executive Committees (ECs) were presented with the Finance and Investment Subcommittee (FISC) proposed budget for the next fiscal year, July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017 (FY17), and endorsed it for approval by the BODs. During their April meeting, the BODs reviewed and conditionally approved the FY17 budget that is presented here for our membership.

Larry Simon Md2

Finding joy in what we do

This month, the Bulletin addresses health policy and the budget—two subjects that always bring a smile to physicians’ faces.

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Quality reporting for 2016

Now is the time to prepare for Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) reporting for calendar year 2016.

James C. Denneny III, MD, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO

New payment models

This month’s Bulletin highlights many facets of the activities of our Health Policy team and the rapidly escalating demands that they face in the shifting healthcare environment.

Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD AAO-HNS/F Past President

A new year, academically speaking

June marks the end of another academic year and the completion of various aspects of training—medical school, residency, and fellowship. About 20.4 percent of Academy Members are in full-time academic practice, and another, more fluid group of practitioners are either in part-time or voluntary academic otolaryngology.