The National Transitions of Care Coalition (NTOCC), an organization dedicated to improving patient transitions throughout the healthcare system, is pleased to welcome another member to its Partners Council. AstraZeneca, a global innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription medicines that make a meaningful difference in healthcare, is the latest member to join the rapidly expanding council.

Yesterday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced new prospective awardees (still to be finalized) to test innovative care models designed to deliver better health care and lower costs under the Health Care Innovation Awards initiative, authorized by the Affordable Care Act. This round of anticipated recipients brings the total amount of funding to as much as $360 million spanning 27 states and the District of Columbia. Prospective recipients will receive their final Notice of Award later this summer.

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced they are seeking input from providers on the implementation of the LTCH Quality Reporting Program, which was authorized by the Affordable Care Act. CMS will be conducting brief interviews with providers on a voluntary basis during the months of July and August, 2014. Please see the CMS announcement below.

Last Thursday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would update payment policies and payment rates under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for CY 2015. The proposed rule also proposes changes to several of the quality reporting initiatives for physicians including the Physician Quality Reporting System, Medicare Shared Savings Program, and Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, as well as changes to the Physician Compare tool on the Medicare.gov website.