BIDPO News

CMS- EHR Incentive Programs and "Meaningful Use"

CMS has published detailed information on their EHR Incentive Program. Registration began on 1/3/11. Please visit the CMS website for full details. BIDPO will also be sending information to our physicians on this program very shortly. Specifically we'll provide BIDPO physicians with information on how to enroll and suggestions on Meaningful Use Objectives that EPs must complete in order to receive incentive dollars.

EHR Incentive Program

2011- CMS Updates on Meaningful Use

Red Flag Rule Clarified

On December 18,2010 the Red Flag Rule Clarification Act was signed. The new legislation supports the AMA's position that most physicians should not be subject to the rule. For more information and to determine if you are subject to the Red Flag Rule please visit the AMA's website where detailed information can be found.

Additional information can also be found on the Federal Trade Commission website.

HPHC Discontinued the First Seniority Freedom Product as of 12/31/10

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care announced that they would no longer offer the First Seniority  Freedom product after 12/31/10. If you are contacted by patients  who are First Seniority Freedom members, please advise them about what other Medicare Advantage plans you accept, including BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO and , for those  providers who participate in  BIDPO's  United Health Care  contracts  there is  their  Secure Horizons Medicare Complete  product option. There are other Private Fee for Service Plans offered by many different companies as well. These plans do not require a physician contract and the doctor is free to choose if they wish to accept these patients or not, at the point of service. Otherwise patients can also return to traditional Medicare and purchase a supplemental plan such as BC MedEx or United’s AARP supplement. Harvard Pilgrim has also developed a new supplemental plan for 1/1/11. If you or your patients have questions about this please contact Harvard Pilgrim at the appropriate number below.

 Member Services 1-888-333-4742

Provider Services 1-800-708-441

Archived News