AMA calls on CMS, policymakers to streamline federal programs

The American Medical Association announced it has issued a letter to CMS expressing concern over the effect of Medicare incentive programs on physicians and their practices. In the letter, the AMA asks for simplification of CMS’ policies regarding several of its programs, including Meaningful Use (MU), the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and the Value-based payment Modifier (VBM), and offers recommendations to improve each.