Beyond The Stethoscope
Podcast Library

Unlock the intricacies of the 2025 CMS final ruling on the Quality Payment Program with insights from Aaron Higgins of Strategic Healthcare Partners. Get ahead of the curve with the crucial performance threshold of 75 points needed to dodge penalties and the revamped scoring system allowing up to 10 points for full compliance on topped-out measures. As the MIPS program evolves into the more streamlined and specialty-specific MIPS Value Pathways, discover how this shift can benefit your practice with the introduction of new MVPs and modifications, especially in cancer and heart disease care. Through our conversation, you’ll gain clarity on the 75% data completeness requirements extending through 2028, the addition of seven new quality measures, and the removal of ten measures, providing a comprehensive view of the changes that await healthcare professionals.

As we close the episode, we shine a light on the collective efforts of our committed team behind “Beyond the Stethoscope: Vital Conversations with SHP.” Experience the meticulous work of our executive producers, Mike Scribner and John Crew, our editor, Nyla Weave, and our social media strategist, Jeremy Miller. Discover our transcription process that blends cutting-edge technology with human expertise to bring precision to every episode. Don’t miss out on delving deeper into our podcast archives at shpllc.com/podcast, and join the ongoing conversation by connecting with us on Facebook and LinkedIn. We invite your questions and comments to further enrich our discussions and explore the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare together.

Step into the world of healthcare reform with the unique perspective of Congressman Earl “Buddy” Carter, a pharmacist serving in Congress, whose career has taken him from the quaint town of Pooler’s mayoral office to the halls of the U.S. Capitol as Georgia’s 1st District Representative. Delve into a conversation that traverses the landscape of healthcare legislation, as we dissect Carter’s contributions on the Energy and Commerce and Budget Committees, and the transformative bills he passionately supports. The Lower Cost, More Cures Act and the Saving Our Students in Schools Act take center stage, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at their implications and the legislative journey from conception to enactment.

Hear how the government shapes the trajectory of healthcare services through the levers of Medicare and Medicaid, alongside the burgeoning telehealth revolution that promises to redefine rural healthcare access. Congressman Carter sheds light on the imperative for high-speed internet to support telehealth innovations and the legislative efforts in motion to combat maternal mortality through the Healthy Moms and Babies Act. As we unravel the threads of bipartisan legislation, such as the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act, it becomes clear how collective efforts across the aisle can forge pathways to superior emergency care for our youngest citizens. Join us for an episode that not only informs but ignites a dialogue on the future of healthcare policy.

Another great episode with a someone that brings a very unique perspective, US Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia’s first district. Rep. Carter has worn many hats from Pharmacist to business owner, mayor of a suburban town, and for the last 12 years, as the US Representative from Georgia’s largest district. What is such a perspective from someone outside our industry and the work he sees is necessary to improve healthcare in such a thriving suburban town that currently cannot meet the needs of its residents. A great conversation with US Congressman Buddy Carter.

A reminder to join Aaron and I for part 2 of our QPP discussion. Aaron will further discuss the MVP program, the new Population Health measure, and other updates with APM’s. He will also share his thoughts on what you need to focus on now to be best prepare and how to best manage throughout the year for maximum benefit.

Are you ready to master the CMS Quality Payment Program changes for 2024? Buckle up as we, your co-hosts Jason Crosby and Aaron Higgins, equip you with the necessary knowledge to navigate these changes. We unpack the crucial amendments, including participation in traditional MIPS, alternative payment models, and the MIPS value pathways. We also delve into the changes that didn’t make the cut, and provide an in-depth understanding of the performance expectations for the four categories of QPP: quality, cost, improvement activities, and promoting interoperability.

As the conversation continues, we shed light on the adjustments to the Promoting Interoperability category for the 2020 MIPS reporting period and introduce you to the MIPS Value Pathways Program (MVP). From the removal of the base and performance score to the introduction of the Promoting Interoperability performance score, and the mandatory Safer Guidelines measure, we cover it all. We also discuss the transformations in the Improvement Activities and Cost categories and how MVP influences traditional MIPS participation. Gain insights on how these changes can be strategically navigated for an optimal performance and a reduced administrative burden.

Ever wondered why so many physicians are leaving their profession? What if we told you that 63% of them are experiencing symptoms of burnout and over 117,000 have quit in the past year alone? Join us, your hosts Aaron Higgins and Jason Crosby, as we unpack the harsh realities of physician burnout and the alarming rise in cyber attacks in the healthcare industry. Our conversation takes us on a journey through recent news headlines as we shed light on these issues with a surge of anxiety-inducing statistics. We also explore how technological advancements such as AI could potentially lighten the administrative load on healthcare providers, thereby reducing stress levels and keeping more doctors in the profession.

But the problems don’t stop there. Did you know that an astonishing 88% of healthcare organizations report an average of 40 cyber attacks in the past year? We delve into the costly repercussions of these attacks, highlighting their disruptive impact on operations and potential consequences on patient care. As we sound the alarm on the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, we also share actionable tips on how organizations can protect themselves. The future of healthcare is a complex web of challenges and opportunities, and we’re here to guide you through it. So, buckle up and stay tuned for our next episode where we’ll dive into the 2024 final rule and its implications on MIPS and QPP. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Curious about what the latest headlines in the health sector mean for you? Join us for a vital conversation with Jason Crosby & Aaron Higgins where we dissect the implications of the proposed HHS crackdown on information sharing and explore its potential to revolutionize patient data flow across different care settings. We delve into the consequences of non-compliance, especially for hospitals & practices participating in MIPS, offering insights that providers and other stakeholders will find incredibly enlightening.

In addition, we reflect on the first anniversary of the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, evaluating its impact and the challenges it faces. Our discussion uncovers the urgent need for more local resources for the hotline and the strides it has made in advancing mental health initiatives.

We also discuss the open enrollment of the ACA health plans. What are the things to be on the lookout for going forward as more people become eligible for these plans.

Wrapping up, we share a sneak peek into our upcoming interview with Craig Kilgore.

With subject matter that impacts us all, this episode is a treasure trove of essential health sector insights. Don’t miss it!

In this episode, Jason shares with us a few of the “Top 10 Digital Health Stories of 2022” and Aaron discusses a recent survey that shows 6 out of 10 patients have had a poor experience with healthcare in the last year. Then we tease a bit about our upcoming changes in season 2.

Then Jason interviews Aaron about the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The program has continued to evolve in the last several years, and this year is no exception. Aaron goes into some of the history of how QPP came about, where the program is heading, and what practices need to be doing now to prepare for it.