Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Our ENT practice is regretting that we did not begin the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) in January. Do we have to wait until 2009 to join?

Kentucky Subscriber

Answer: If you missed the PQRI boat earlier, you could join the alternative reporting program as of July 1.

CMS- alternative reporting period this year runs between July 1 and Dec. 1. For "professionals that have not begun to participate, this will give an additional opportunity to begin participation in PQRI for this year," according to information noted on a June 10 CMS Open Door Forum (ODF).

"The incentive payment of 1.5 percent for Part B services will apply only to the second half of the year, July 1 to Dec. 31, but nevertheless, professionals who report this way will be able to get that incentive payment," a CMS official said during the ODF.

For more about the PQRI program, visit the CMS Web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri.