Just like eating your broccoli is not required, neither is PQRS. If you don’t do it, however, eventually you’ll get fined. And if you don’t eat your broccoli, Mom will probably send you to your room. Or worse, no dessert.
PQRS is one of those things that Mom may advise you to do. Why? Because it’s good for you. If you and your clinic start adopting your workflow for PQRS now, you’ll be better prepared for the future. A small investment of time and money now, will payoff in a big way down the road.
It’s actually a lot like your patients. From time to time, some patients may not be excited to do physical therapy. It’s a lot of work. What do you tell them, though, when they are overwhelmed by “work?” You probably tell them that they need to work to get better. Maybe they need to change their past actions/habits in order to heal. And what looks like “work” at the beginning will soon become new habits. And eventually, they will see the fruits of their labor.
Started in 2007, the PQRS was originally called PQRI for Physician Quality Reporting Initiative. The program continued to see changes and in 2011 the program name was changed as it became more formalized. Today the names PQRI and PQRS are interchangeable. For all the details about PQRS, you will want to read through the documents provided on the CMS website. Also remember, 2012 is the last year for therapists to get a 0.5% bonus on Medicare patient billings.
PQRS is not exactly a party. We get it. Our goal, however, is to continually provide what therapists need to elevate their practice. We want our members to be the most efficient, accurate, and prepared therapists and clinics in the country. This change in quality reporting is coming and WebPT will help you manage the change with the most minimal disruption to your business.
Implementing PQRS into your practice may require just a little work, but it’s surely not the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced. Starting PQRS in 2012 will put you ahead of the curve and give you a small incentive to get it done. It may at first appear a little “gross” just like that broccoli Mom tried to feed you, but it’s healthy. Think of it as a small challenge. Just do it. We can help.
To sign up to do PQRS with WebPT for 2012, send us an email to success@webpt.com.
