PQRI: Not as hard as you think

Like most otolaryngologists, you are likely capturing the following on your patient health history forms: 

• Inquiry Regarding Tobacco Use
• Documentation and Verification of Current Medications in the Medical Record
• Unhealthy Alcohol Use – Screening

If so, you have basically met the requirements for PQRI – why not get paid for the things you are already doing in your office?  Participate in PQRI and receive 2% of your Medicare allowed charges – for an average otolaryngologist, that is approximately $2,000 per MD.  If you’re in a group practice, the incentive payments will really add up. 

The above are PQRI Individual Measures – to participate, report 3 measures on 80% of your Medicare allowed charges.  At this late date in 2009, registry-based reporting is your only option. 

Registry-based reporting - pay a nominal fee and upload data into a qualified registry at the end of the year.  (Click here for a list of qualified registries)

There are individual perioperative care measures for surgical procedures Le Fort Fractures, Mandibular Fractures, Laryngectomy, Glossectomy, Acoustic Neuroma, and Cochlear Implants.  Check out the PQRI Resources for more details. 

We agree – at first glance PQRI seems an overwhelming, daunting program, but when you sift through and get to the meat of what applies to you, it is relatively painless for your practice to report. 

We’d love to hear from you!  Please contact Cheyenne Brinson at cbrinson@karenzupko.com or (312) 642-5616 to let us know that you are participating in PQRI.  We’d love to feature your practice in a case study about PQRI. 

Click here to access PQRI Resources

For more information visit our website at www.karenzupko.com or call 312-642-5616.