Home Forums Discussions Meaningful Use Meaningful Use in Group Practice

As I am considering taking part in this program, I have to wonder about how it works in a group. Does AC keep track of the MU core parameters for each provider, and allow each provider to attest independently? Or will it tally all the results for everyone using my chart system. I have a doctor working with me who has just successfully made the transition to an EMR, and I doubt he will want to to do the additional hassle, especially since he is part time only. If he does not participate, will it bring down my score? Help appreciated.

You raise great points, to summarize:
1) can AC differentiate and run separate reports on different providers?
2) If so, how?
3) if no, will the other non-participating providers bring the score down?
4) how does MU work with multiple providers?
5) can you motivate this person to participate in MU data collection?

I'm no expert on how to use AC to it's fullest capability, so I'm only answering from my experience using AC and facts I know about MU:

1) I'm only set up as a solo provider, so I don't see any option to run the MU Report for different providers. I only see one option to run the MU Report for the whole practice. If the other users here can't answer this question, talk to the MU support person at AC and find out. It's very important to know.

2)If so, how? hopefully the MU support person can help, because I do not see any option in MU Reports to do this.

3)If no, will it bring score down? Yes the non-participating provider would bring the overall practice score down. Therefore it's critical your partner is working with you on this deal. If the data cannot be differentiated, you would need to attest with the data you have. Each attesting to the data for the whole practice.

4) MU works with multiple providers very well for you financially than alone provided you have a doc that is on-board with the program. You get the $44,000 Medicare dollars (or $63,750 if you attest under Medicaid) times the number of Elligible Providers (EP's).

simple math: 1 EP=$44k. 2 EP=$88k, etc. A word of caution, if this provider is part-time with you, is he part-time elsewhere? If so, if he participating in MU at the other facility. One EP can only attest once. CMS deposits their funds into the account they have on file for that provider.....so make sure if you attest for him, the funds are not given to the clinic down the street where he also works!

5)it would behoove you to motivate any new hire. First I would suggest making this a mandatory requirement. Perhaps Alaska does not afford ready access to physicians-for-hire and you can't get your dream doc. Then try either giving them part of the incentive payment as bonus, or providing them with better equipment/computer as bonus. Make the reward tangible so they participate fully.

I hope you can find the answers you are looking for!

The MU reports wizard reports by physician (I refuse to refer to my self as provider). So I can run for me and for my partner.

Thank you so much Roger! good to know.

Thank you very much! I'm a physician and I've earned it. I also am board certified in FAMILY MEDICINE, not "family practice" ....Rant, rant.

My associate has his own prof corporation and is hired as an independent contractor rather than an employee. However, everything is billed through my business and I pay him a percentage for his work. So I don't know if I can put the MU money into the business, or if he would just have to do this on his own. It sounds like I might be getting into CPA or lawyer level questions here...

The regs require payment TO the eligible provider (grrrr their term). I've seen this question posted in several posts/forums. Since it is based upon a percent of Medicare payments to the EP, one would think that the billing entity is somehow involved.
So has anyone submitted certification for an employee / contractor or has had an employee submit fore you?
You definitely want you contrat to be clear on the $MU.