AMA unveils online MACRA tools for physicians

The AMA has announced several online tools to help physicians prepare for 2017 Medicare changes.

The organization is providing physicians with a payment model evaluator and a podcast series, as well as other resources, according to a press release.

“MACRA represents the most significant change to Medicare’s physician payment system in a generation, and the AMA is working to help physicians navigate this change and make sure they are prepared for it,” Andrew Gurman, MD, AMA president, said in the release.

The tools include:

AMA STEPS Forward, a collection of resources on various MACRA-specific strategies, including team-based care, electronic health record implementation and quality reporting;
AMA Payment Model Evaluator, a tool that will assess physicians and their staff and provide guidance in choosing the best MACRA model for their practice; and
Inside Medicare's New Payment System, a podcast series on ReachMD, that feature experts from the AMA as well as Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of CMS.

“We know there are challenges under the new system, but the recent announcement of the ‘Pick Your Pace’ reporting options indicates not only that CMS is responsive to the AMA’s advocacy on behalf of physicians, but that it is working to give physicians a fair chance to be successful in the new payment framework,” Gurman said in the release. “The AMA is helping physicians get started with practical advice presented plainly and clearly, and physicians should begin by logging in today to best understand the changes that are occurring.”