SpectraMedix, a company specializing in transitioning hospitals to to value-based payment models, has developed a national advisory council dealing with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). This council, made up of healthcare policy and IT experts, will assist the industry implement Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) tracks.

The independent council will also focus on state Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Medicaid reform initiatives, the Medi-Cal PRIME program and additional 1115 waiver-related programs.

“This is a unique opportunity to really dig deep into how MACRA works and understand how it will impact healthcare organizations, practices and physicians over the short and long term,” said Advisory Council Co-Chair Sajid Ahmed, CIO at MLK Health in Los Angeles. “It will allow us to share our experiences, learn from others and collaborate on innovative paths forward.”

The council aims to provide guidance to payor, providers, accountable care organizations (ACOs)s and others in regards to best practices for MACRA and MIPS. Assisting in MACRA’s transition from fee-for-service payment model to coordinated care models, the council is led by Mark W. Stevens, Principal of ARRAHealth Consulting and president of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of HIMSS.

“We searched extensively to identify Council members who could answer some of the big questions to help support provider organizations and physicians as they transition to MACRA,” said Stevens. “We are excited to have brought this talented group of individuals together who collectively bring both deep and broad healthcare industry experience and a diverse set of skills and specialties. We will work with them to bring Best Practices and insights to the healthcare.”