In 2012 and 2013, ASCO members should be aware of the reporting programs of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS administers several programs that involve reporting to CMS regarding quality measures and/or use of health information technology, including the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program (Meaningful Use), and e-Prescribing Incentive Program. Each program begins with incentive payments and leads to payment reductions on Part B FFS services under Medicare.

Most ASCO members should participate in two programs, at minimum, to avoid Medicare payment reductions: the PQRS program and the e-Prescribing Program. Eligible providers who fail to participate in the e-Prescribing Program will face reductions in reimbursement for Medicare PFS-covered charges in the following year; these penalties start in 2013 based on participation this year. Eligible providers who fail to participate in 2013 PQRS reporting will face similar reductions in Medicare reimbursement in 2015.

For more information about these programs and the benefits of participation, visit asco.org/CMSreporting.