MACRA will fundamentally change the way in which physicians are compensated and will accelerate the transition away from fee-for-service (FFS) by encouraging alternative payment model (APM) participation; however, many details remain unclear and are in need of hospitalist-specific clarification. SHM has already begun engaging with federal agencies and lawmakers as the regulations for MACRA are developed, including initiating multi-stakeholder conversations about problems facing facility-based providers in pay-for-performance programs.
SHM’s Performance Measurement and Reporting Committee has been working closely with the PPC to devise concrete proposals that will allow physician/hospital alignment within mandated quality reporting programs, and the PPC has launched an APM workgroup that is exploring the most effective avenues for hospitalists to move away from FFS and take advantage of incentives that will be available under MACRA.
Successful advocacy efforts often take time, persistence, and most importantly, patience; these victories demonstrate that endurance pays off.
SHM is clearly making headway on behalf of hospitalists and patients, and will build off of the momentum that these victories have generated. As SHM Public Policy Committee chair, Ron Greeno, stated after SHM’s most recent victories, “There are times when we all ask if our efforts are all worth it, and the clear message that we have heard in the past few weeks is a resounding ‘Yes!’”
Success does take time, however, and help from SHM members is a critical part of the equation. Your voice does make a difference.
To stay up to date and get involved with SHM’s advocacy efforts, connect with SHM’s Grassroots Network at www.hospitalmedicine.org/grassroots, and join the policy discussions in the Advocacy and Public Policy community on HMX.
Josh Boswell is SHM’s director of government relations.