Fourth quarter FY 2017 Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Reports (PEPPERs) are available for hospices, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs), Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPFs), Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and Long-term Acute Care Hospitals (LTCHs). These reports summarize provider-specific data statistics for Medicare services that may be at risk for improper payments. Use your data to support internal auditing and monitoring activities. For instructions on obtaining your PEPPER, read the Secure PEPPER Access Guide. Visit the PEPPER

Please see below for updated email contact information for the Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification: Sherman Lohnes, Director - sherman.lohnes@state.ma.us Michelle Bramante, Certification Unit Manager - Michelle.bramante@state.ma.us Cathy Congo, North Regional Manager - catherine.congo@state.ma.us Patrice Faysal , South Regional Manager - patrice.faysal@state.ma.us Andrew (“Drew”) LeRoy, West Regional Manager - andew.leroy@state.ma.us Beth Scheffler, Complaint Unit Manager - Beth.scheffler@state.ma.us

In the fall of 2017, Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIOs) launched Healthcare Navigation programs that offer a good solution for Medicare fee-for-service patients who need help navigating the health care system. Through this free program, BFCC-QIOs connect Medicare patients, as well as their families and caregivers with the resources and support they need to understand what care is needed and how to access it. You can learn about this free service provided by BFCC-QIOs for Medicare

The new law includes a comprehensive set of provisions designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s illness in Massachusetts.

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in July 2018.

A 2016 Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report noted that providers may not be informing CMS of ownership changes. Providers must update their enrollment information to reflect changes in ownership within 30 days. Owners are individuals or corporations with a 5 percent or more ownership or controlling interest. Failure to comply could result in revocation of your Medicare billing privileges. Click here for additional information and resources.

Annual Performance Score Reports for the FY 2019 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) program year are now available. SNFs with eligible stays during the CY 2017 performance period can retrieve reports via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) System. Review and submit correction requests for your performance score and ranking information by August 31 at 11:59 pm. For More Information: SNF VBP Annual Performance Score Report Memo, Program FAQ , Contact SNFVBPinquiries@cms.hhs.gov.

In February 2016, the Commissioner of Public Health announced a series of initiatives aimed at fostering quality care delivery in skilled nursing facilities across Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recognized an opportunity to improve care delivery by strengthening resident and family councils and enhancing resident and family engagement. The Strengthening Resident and Family Councils Initiative launched in March 2017 in an effort to develop, enhance, and sustain Resident and Family Councils by providing education and training opportunities