You can still participate in 2013 CMS PQRS program, and the 2013 e-Prescribing program, using the RCR until January 31, 2014.
Make sure to fill out your PQRS agreement for 2013 ASAP! Each submitting provider needs to fill out an agreement with our vendor, Outcome, to acknowledge that you allow them to submit your PQRS data to CMS. Click here to access the agreement.
NOTE: To access further detail on the calendar events below, please click the hyperlinked event times.
RCR Tutorial and Training
Standing RCR training calls are provided; please click here to see upcoming trainings. To request additional training dates/times, e-mail .
Using the RCR for PQRS Reporting
PQRS Sampling
Use of RCR only for those with confirmed diagnosis of RA. Suspected RA or other forms of arthritis should not be included.
If you are submitting data for PQRS reporting in 2013, CMS requires submission of 30 records of Medicare Part B patients meeting the denominator specifications and seen between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.
» Access the denominator specifications for the RA measure group for PQRS reporting.
» More information about PQRS sampling and participation.
PQRS and Performance
Concordance with PQRS measures is not required to successfully report to the PQRS program or receive bonus payments. In 2012, successful participation and payments are based only on meeting reporting requirements.
Completing Forms
At the top of the 'Basic Patient Data' tab, select: Please check to designate encounter for PQRS reporting' for each relevant form. You may also designate the same form for AIM reporting (see below).
Throughout the forms, items in maroon italics are required for PQRS reporting.
2012 Physician Quality Reporting System Overview
Using the RCR for CMS e-Prescribing Inventive Program Reporting
A successful e-prescriber must generate and report one or more e-prescriptions associated with a patient visit, for a minimum of 25 unique visits per year during the reporting year. A qualified e-prescribing system must have been adopted.
» More information about the Medicare e-Prescribing Incentive Program.
e-Prescribing Sampling
Patients with any diagnosis may be submitted for the e-prescribing program. The eligible professional must have electronically prescribed at least one prescription for the reported Medicare Part B visit, and the reported visit must meet the denominator CPT/G coding criteria. A complete list of the CPT/G codes can be found in the ACR's e-Prescribing page, or the CMS web site.
Completing Forms
Complete the Patient Registration Form, if not already done. On the RCR Patient Grid, select 'e Prescribing' to complete the form.
Using RCR for AIM Reporting
AIM Sampling
Use of RCR only for those with confirmed diagnosis of RA. Suspected RA or other forms of arthritis should not be included.
Completing Forms
At the top of the 'Basic Patient Data' tab, select 'Please check to designate encounter for AIM reporting' for each relevant form. You may also designate the same form for PQRS reporting (see above).
*Throughout the forms, items with maroon asterisks are required items for AIM reporting.
Using the RCR for Practice Improvement
Please let us know if you are using the RCR for practice improvement projects, and how the system can better meet your needs!
Sampling
Practices may use any approach to sampling for RCR entry, or enter all applicable patients. If a sampling strategy is employed, we recommend use of a standardized approach that minimizes the possibility for a biased sample.
Completing Forms
Patient data may be inputted at any time, and each provider/site can determine whether AIM items (marked with maroon asterisks) will be completed.
RA Module Overview
The RA module has been designed and implemented in a way that allows one single form to be used for your practice's quality improvement initiatives, AIM (Maintenance of Certification), and PQRS reporting.
To ease data entry, questions RA module are divided into 3 tabs including:
Throughout the forms, all items in maroon italics are required items for PQRS reporting and items with maroon asterisks* are required for AIM reporting. Selecting the 'AIM' or 'PQRS' reporting boxes at the beginning of each form will also trigger a system workflow that will verify all required items have been completed for the indicated purpose prior to submission.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the RA module, please contact ACR staff at .
Assess, Improve, Measure (AIM) is ACR's initiative to assist members in meeting the ABIM Maintenance of Certification requirements for self-evaluation of practice performance.
» More information about the AIM program and maintenance of certification.
ACR is in the process of completely integrating the AIM:RA module into the Rheumatology Clinical Registry (RCR). This integration will streamline the AIM: RA program and provide members with enhanced data reporting and an improved user experience.
During the transition in 2012, the best pathway to complete AIM:RA will depend on the status of individual users (new vs. returning). These options are fully described here. Providers with questions or special circumstances should contact or recertification staff at (404) 633-3777.
ACR is seeking to collect and share reports of quality initiatives implemented in practice. To submit your improvement story or suggestion, e-mail .