2017 predictions: Increased cash payments, no changes to MACRA and more

Why This Topic Matters

The piece helps readers gauge which policy and reimbursement changes may influence patient mix, reporting burden, payment opportunities, and operational planning in the year ahead.

Article Sections

1. Predictions round-up

   An overview of the article’s forecast-style discussion of expected changes in health care and physician practice operations for the year ahead.

2. Affordable Care Act reform and cash payments

   Discussion of coverage trends, patient payment behavior, and the possible growth of cash-based transactions in physician offices.

3. MACRA and the Quality Payment Program

   Coverage of expectations for Medicare payment reform and the broader direction of value-based care and performance-based reporting.

4. Providers will meet QPP requirements faster than they did with prior performance programs

   Comments on provider readiness, reporting participation, and general expectations for compliance with the new performance framework.

5. ACI will be a sticking point for some practices

   Discussion of technology and reporting challenges for practices working within the care-information component of the program.

6. CCM services

   Forecasts for chronic care management reporting activity and related billing volume under updated Medicare coverage and documentation expectations.

7. Behavioral health integration (BHI) codes

   Expected uptake of behavioral health integration services, including collaborative care and cognitive assessment reporting in practice settings.

8. ICD-10 again will be all smoke and no fire

   A review of anticipated ICD-10 billing and coding effects after the end of flexibility periods and the likely operational impact on practices.

9. Practice consolidation will accelerate

   Industry-wide consolidation trends involving hospitals, specialty practices, and practice management companies.

10. More practices will have to get serious about cybersecurity

    Risks related to electronic health record connectivity, data exchange, and cybersecurity exposure for smaller and larger practices.