--- title: Blog – The Healthmonix Advisor | Lauren Patrick (11) description: Lauren is the founder and president of Healthmonix. She brings a vision of assisting organizations and providers in improving the quality of healthcare through innovative approaches. Lauren has a background as a consultant at Ernst and Young and holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. She loves to bike and kayak! (11) --- ![logo-light](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/logo-light.png "logo-light") - [Who we help](https://healthmonix.com/who-we-help/) - [Overview](https://healthmonix.com/who-we-help/) - [ACOs](https://healthmonix.com/acos/) - [Health systems](https://healthmonix.com/health-system/) - [Healthcare technology](https://healthmonix.com/healthcare-technology/) - [Physician practices](https://healthmonix.com/physician-practice/) - [Health system VPs](https://healthmonix.com/health-system-vice-presidents/) - [Chief financial officers](https://healthmonix.com/chief-financial-officers/) - [Chief medical officers](https://healthmonix.com/chief-medical-officers/) - [Chief quality officers](https://healthmonix.com/chief-quality-officers/) - [ACO executive directors](https://healthmonix.com/aco-executive-directors/) - [Solutions](https://healthmonix.com/prism/) - [MIPSpro](https://healthmonix.com/product/mips-pro/) - [Cost](https://healthmonix.com/product/cost/) - [ACO Impact](https://healthmonix.com/product/aco-impact/) - [Analytics](https://healthmonix.com/product/analytics/) - [Ambulatory Specialty Model](https://healthmonix.com/ambulatory-specialty-model-asm/) - [TEAM](https://healthmonix.com/team-program/) - [HealthConnect](https://healthmonix.com/health-connect/) - [Data integration](https://healthmonix.com/dataintegration/) - [Consulting](https://healthmonix.com/consulting-services/) - [Score optimization](https://healthmonix.com/score-optimization/) - [Patient matching](https://healthmonix.com/patient-deduplication-and-matching/) - [Outcomes](https://healthmonix.com/outcomes/) - [Company](https://healthmonix.com/company/) - [Our story](https://healthmonix.com/company/) - [Team](https://healthmonix.com/team/) - [Careers](https://healthmonix.com/healthmonix-careers/) - [Resources](https://healthmonix.com/resources/) - [Help and support](https://healthmonix.com/customer-support/) - [Healthmonix Advisor](https://blog.healthmonix.com/) - [Webinars](https://healthmonix.com/our-webinars/) - [Educational resources](https://healthmonix.com/mips-education/) - [Help and support](https://healthmonix.com/customer-support/) - [Contact us](https://healthmonix.com/contact-us/) - [Measures](https://healthmonix.com/mips-measures/) - [Quality](https://healthmonix.com/mips-measures/mips-quality-measures/) - [CMS specialty sets](https://healthmonix.com/cms-mips-specialty-measure-sets/) - [Promoting Interoperability](https://healthmonix.com/mips-measures/mips-promoting-interoperability-measures/) - [Improvement Activities](https://healthmonix.com/mips-measures/mips-improvement-activities/) - [Cost](https://healthmonix.com/mips-measures/mips-cost-performance-category/) - [Log in](https://healthmonix.com/login/) # Healthmonix Advisor ## Lauren Patrick ![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Lauren_Image.jpg) Lauren is the founder and president of Healthmonix. She brings a vision of assisting organizations and providers in improving the quality of healthcare through innovative approaches. Lauren has a background as a consultant at Ernst and Young and holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. She loves to bike and kayak! Find me on: ### Recent Posts ## [This One Major Disconnect May Devastate Hopes of MIPS Reporting Success](https://blog.healthmonix.com/qpp-preparedness) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on December 8, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/hurdle.png)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/qpp-preparedness) Considering that the CMS Quality Payment Program can generate payment adjustments of up to 22% of Medicare Part B FFS reimbursements, it’s no wonder that many providers and health systems hope to maximize these incentives. But navigating complex Medicare requirements can be near impossible without the right tools. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/qpp-preparedness) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/qpp-preparedness#comments-listing) Topics: [PRO Tips](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/pro-tips), [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [EHR](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/ehr) ## [Proposed Changes to Bundled Payment Initiatives](https://blog.healthmonix.com/proposed-changes-to-bundled-payment-initiatives) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on October 16, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/puzzle-2500328_1920.jpg)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/proposed-changes-to-bundled-payment-initiatives) CMS has recently lifted requirements for physicians participating in various bundled-payment initiatives. In a [Proposed Rule](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-08-17/pdf/2017-17446.pdf) released in August, the Health and Human Services agency proposed canceling the mandatory Episode Payment Models and Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive payment model, which were scheduled to begin in January. HHS also plans to reduce the number of geographic areas mandatorily participating in the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model from 67 down to 34. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/proposed-changes-to-bundled-payment-initiatives) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/proposed-changes-to-bundled-payment-initiatives#comments-listing) Topics: [Bundled Payments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/bundled-payments) ## [Unleashing the Potential of Value Based Care](https://blog.healthmonix.com/unleashing-the-potential-of-value-based-care) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on September 29, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/computer-1149148.png)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/unleashing-the-potential-of-value-based-care) Value-based payment models aim to address rising healthcare costs, clinical inefficiency and duplication of services. To survive in an industry with increasing competition a solid understanding of the business case for implementing value based care is imperative. The most notable value based care program currently is the MACRA Quality Payment Program, which provides the option to participate in MIPS or an advanced APM. If you’ve been keeping up with our blog posts recently you may already know that the deadline for the last MIPS performance period of the year is October 2nd, and that as long as you start collecting data by that date you will be able to report successfully. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/unleashing-the-potential-of-value-based-care) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/unleashing-the-potential-of-value-based-care#comments-listing) Topics: [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [VBC](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/vbc) ## [MIPS Training Resources](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-training-resources) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on September 15, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/Picture1.jpg)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-training-resources) CMS is worried about how few providers understand or are even aware of MACRA. As we near October 2nd, the deadline by which 400,000 eligible providers must start tracking data in order to avoid a financial penalty in 2019, [CMS has found](http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20170913/NEWS/170919954/cms-seeking-answers-on-spreading-the-word-about-macra) that around 40% of clinicians and even fewer nurse practitioners have a solid understanding of the requirements. Their concern is only supported by a recent [Integra Connect survey](http://www.ajmc.com/newsroom/macra-survey-finds-oncology-physicians-unprepared-for-payment-changes) which finds that most specialty physicians have not yet made the operational changes necessary to succeed in the new world of value based care. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-training-resources) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-training-resources#comments-listing) Topics: [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips) ## [4 Reasons to Choose Your Improvement Activities Today](https://blog.healthmonix.com/improvement-activities-2017) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on September 7, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Vectors/ia-scoring.png)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/improvement-activities-2017) Statistically, you aren’t sure how you’re supposed to comply with quality reporting requirements this year. As late as [June 2017](https://www.nuemd.com/macra/survey/findings.html), the majority of providers were still unfamiliar or only somewhat familiar with MACRA; only 9 percent described themselves as “very familiar”. But unless you’re a part of that 9 percent, we highly recommend that you take some time ASAP to familiarize yourself with the requirements and to make a plan for the rest of the year. And as part of that plan, here are four reasons why we recommend that you select Improvement Activities for your practice today (yes, literally today): [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/improvement-activities-2017) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/improvement-activities-2017#comments-listing) Topics: [PRO Tips](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/pro-tips), [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [IA Performance Category](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/ia-performance-category) ## [A Guide to Choosing Quality Measures (Part 2)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures-2) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on August 18, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/olu-eletu-13086.jpg)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures-2) [In our last post](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures), we covered some of the basic questions you should be asking yourself when choosing quality measures to report under MIPS. In part two of this series, we go over a few more specific questions that can help guide you to picking the best measures for your practice. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures-2) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures-2#comments-listing) Topics: [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [Policy](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/policy), [Quality Performance Category](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/quality-performance-category) ## [A Guide to Choosing Quality Measures (Part 1)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on August 11, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/analysis-1841158_1920.jpg)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures) So you’re a MIPS-eligible clinician (if you’re not sure about your participation status, check out our [post](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-participation-status) about how to find out), and you don’t want your practice to miss out on the reimbursement you know you deserve. But how should you decide which quality measures to actually report to CMS? How can you know if the measures you’re choosing will ultimately lead to reporting success, and is there a way to use those measures to not just fulfill the requirements but actually improve your practice? We’ve put together a two-part post to guide you through the most important factors to consider when deciding what might be best for you and your practice. First, the basics: [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/selecting-quality-measures#comments-listing) Topics: [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [Policy](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/policy), [Quality Performance Category](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/quality-performance-category) ## [A Brief Overview of MIPS Quality Measures](https://blog.healthmonix.com/what-are-quality-measures) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on August 4, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![what-is-a-quality-measure.png](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/what-is-a-quality-measure.png?width=320&name=what-is-a-quality-measure.png)The shift from volume to value-based care can be frustrating, especially when the reasons behind such a significant change aren’t clear. But with an estimated [250,000](http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/study_suggests_medical_errors_now_third_leading_cause_of_death_in_the_us) American deaths per year caused by medical errors, minimizing these errors is a noble and vital effort. Additionally, [CMS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/no-cms-updates-on-covid-19-impact-on-mips-reporting-what-it-means) is now raising the bar for healthcare providers with the assessment of quality metrics against benchmarks and peers. With that in mind, let’s break down the meaning of, and intentions behind, Quality Measures. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/what-are-quality-measures) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/what-are-quality-measures#comments-listing) Topics: [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [Policy](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/policy), [Quality Performance Category](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/quality-performance-category) ## [Three Ways to Check Your MIPS Participation Eligibility Status](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-participation-status) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on July 28, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/O6UZR60.jpg)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-participation-status) When [we asked](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-experiences) MIPS eligible clinicians about their experiences transitioning from PQRS this year, one of the biggest takeaways was that quality matters even more under MIPS than it did under PQRS. Clinicians who want to maximize their reimbursement would consequently be very smart to start reporting as early as possible, and to adjust performance to maximize quality, rather than waiting until the end of the year. If you’re not sure whether or not you are a MIPS-eligible clinician, take advantage of one of the following resources for determining your MIPS participation status as soon as possible so that you don’t get left behind. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-participation-status) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/mips-participation-status#comments-listing) Topics: [PRO Tips](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/pro-tips), [MACRA & MIPS](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips), [Eligibility](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/eligibility) ## [The Ongoing Saga of Trumpcare](https://blog.healthmonix.com/obamacare-repeal) Posted by [Lauren Patrick](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick) on July 21, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.healthmonix.com/hubfs/Images/Photos_and_Misc_Rastars/trumpcarev3.jpg)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/obamacare-repeal) On Monday night this week, in the wake of news that there might not be enough votes to pass the updated Senate version of the AHCA, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced a plan to vote for legislation that would repeal most of Obamacare without immediately putting an alternative in place. The alternative plan would instead be developed over the course of the next two years. [Read More](https://blog.healthmonix.com/obamacare-repeal) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.healthmonix.com/obamacare-repeal#comments-listing) Topics: [Policy](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/policy) [Previous](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick/page/10) [All posts](https://blog.healthmonix.com/all) [Next](https://blog.healthmonix.com/author/lauren-patrick/page/12) ### Subscribe Here! ### Search the Healthmonix Advisor - [MACRA & MIPS (132)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/macra-mips) - [Policy (77)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/policy) - [PRO Tips (57)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/pro-tips) - [CMS (34)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/cms) - [Quality Performance Category (32)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/quality-performance-category) - [Industry insights (29)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/industry-insights) - [VBC (20)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/vbc) - [ACO (19)](https://blog.healthmonix.com/topic/aco) - 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