2008 PQRI bonus payments and feedback reports available

Payments for 2008 are expected to be made this month. In addition, CMS is re-analyzing 2007 reporting and some optometrists might finally be paid for 2007 reporting.

Beginning on October 19, 2009, individual optometrists can call their Medicare carrier or A/B Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to request 2007 Re-Run and 2008 PQRI feedback reports that will contain data based on their individual NPI. Optometrists who are part of a group practice can get their individual feedback reports as well.

When requesting feedback reports from the carrier or contractor, individual optometrists will be asked to provide an e-mail address. You can then expect to receive the e-mailed feedback report within 30 days of the request. If no report is available, the provider will receive an e-mail notification.

Optometrists who request feedback reports based on taxpayer identification number (TIN) or group practice information will still be required to access their PQRI feedback reports via the PQRI Portal after first registering in the Individuals Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services (IACS). An IACS user identification and password is required to access the PQRI Portal. The PQRI Portal may be found at http://www.qualitynet.org/pqri on the Internet.

WARNING: Registering in IACS may require re-enrolling in Medicare. This is a lengthy and cumbersome process that should not be undertaken lightly. Medicare re-enrollment may delay reimbursement for all Medicare claims for months until the enrollment process is completed.

See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0922.pdf for more information, including access to lists of carrier and contractor provider contact centers to obtain PQRI feedback reports.

Reporting for the 2009 PQRI ends February 28, 2009. Please note there is no need to sign up or pre-register in order to participate.