2017 IPPS final rule and claims-based measures

The fiscal year (FY) 2017 IPPS final rule was released August 2 and will be published in the Federal Register August 22. The majority of the finalized updates are consistent with those outlined in the proposed rule, but with a few refinements to applicable time periods. The final rule expands and refines the number of claims-based ­outcomes linked to payment under these programs.

Effective October 1, 2017, performance for cost and quality measures in the HRRP, HVBP, and HACRP will impact up to 6% of your hospital's inpatient acute Medicare fee-for-service reimbursement.

So, where to begin? First, become familiar with the measure specifications and risk-adjustment methodologies, in addition to existing CMS provided reports on historical performance, to gain insights into your organization's clinical documentation and coding vulnerabilities.

Measure specifications can be found at: www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/HospitalQualityInits/Measure-Methodology.html.

The final rule is available here: www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection.

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