12/11/24 - Don't Miss Your Chance: Apply for the MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception

The MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception application is open through the end of the year. Groups/clinicians who don’t usually report MIPS or have no MIPS-eligible clinicians may consider applying for the EUC to ensure no downside risk.

Groups/clinicians significantly impacted by the Change Healthcare outage should consider filing a MIPS EUC Exception application. You can submit an application for any of the MIPS Performance categories (quality, cost, improvement activities, and promoting interoperability) if you have experienced Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances. EUCs are defined as rare events entirely outside of your control and the control of the facility in which you practice that may:

• Cause you to be unable to collect the information necessary to submit for a MIPS performance category.
• Cause you to be unable to submit the information used to score a MIPS performance category for an extended period (for example, if you failed to collect data for the quality performance category for three months).
• Impact your every day processes and affect your performance on cost measures and other administrative claims measures. 

Anyone wanting to apply for an EUC should:

• Sign in to the QPP website with your Health Care Quality Information System (HCQIS) Access Roles and Profile (HARP) account.
  • If you are applying for a group EUC, ensure you log into the group (TIN) QPP account.
• Choose “Exceptions Application” from the left-hand navigation.
• Click “Add New QPP Exception” on the right side of the screen.
• Choose “MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Application”.
• Select the performance categories impacted (likely Quality, Cost, Promoting Interoperability, and Improvement Activities).
• Enter reason for EUC, e.g., “Impact of Change Healthcare on our operations and ability to run the business.”
• Enter the impacted timeframe or check the “Still Affected” box if the impact of the Change Healthcare outage is still affecting your group.

Note: We recommend keeping all supporting documentation around your EUC circumstances in case of audit, e.g., loss of revenue, staffing reductions, and other supporting documents.

Additional CMS resources:

11/20/24 - IDFPR Licensing Software 

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced the agency has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois. The Department will invest $9 million over the next three years and partner with NIC Licensing Solutions, LLC to implement the new online system. 

IDFPR will immediately begin implementation of the new software, and all Departmental licensees will be transitioned to the new licensing system in six phases, ensuring every application and fee payment will be available online.  

According to the Department, the new licensing system will feature a user-friendly interface with improved communications and create a streamlined review of license applications and fees. Prospective licensees will be notified electronically when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the Department.  Read more here.

__________________________________________________________

 11/19/24 - We have become aware of an issue with the IDFPR Licensing renewal system. 

UPDATE as of 11/19/24 

The below email has been sent by the IDFPR to those that paid for their renewal in error. Please email Patrice Cooper (ILAPPS Executive Director - [email protected]) if you are still having issues getting your refund.

Hello,

This email is to inform you that Podiatrist licensees who paid during the last renewal period (in Fiscal Year 23) are entitled to a fee waiver for the renewal period that opened November 1, 2024. If you are receiving this email, you have been identified as being eligible for the fee waiver and, therefore, entitled a refund. We are in the process of issuing a refund to your original form of payment and appreciate your patience.

Thank you. 

IDFPR

 UPDATE as of 11/15/24 

IDFPR recognizes that certain individuals paid for their renewal (in error) and they are working towards issuing a refund to their original forms of payment. Please email Patrice Cooper (ILAPPS Executive Director - [email protected]) with your payment details to let her know you paid and are awaiting a refund. ILAPPS will work as a liaison to make sure our members receive a refund as quickly as possible.

UPDATE as of 11/8/24 

We're pleased to share an update on the recent issue with the IDFPR Licensing renewal system.  

As communicated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, "Individuals who paid their renewal fee for FY 23 will not be charged a fee for the current renewal cycle. We've also worked with our IT vendor to ensure those that paid a fee last renewal cycle will not need to pay a fee this renewal cycle."  

If you have already paid your renewal fee in error, please contact the IDFPR directly to request a refund. The Department is working to identify and refund these payments proactively. 

2/23/24 - Access Free MATE Courses

We are excited to share an exclusive opportunity for you to enhance your professional expertise through the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) courses, available online for free through Pri-Med. We encourage each of you to take advantage of this valuable opportunity for professional development. Your commitment to ongoing education is commendable, and the MATE courses offer a convenient way to stay current in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. How to Get Started: CLICK HERE

1/13/24 - Resident Day Success!

IPMA Resident Day was a huge success and granted us the opportunity to meet and network with incoming residents. We look forward to seeing their contributions to the future development of podiatric medicine and the continued growth of the association!

1/12/24 - In Loving Memory: Memorial Service for David Michael Milliner

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of David Michael Milliner, the beloved husband of our esteemed board member, Dr. Jondelle Jenkins. To honor his extraordinary life, we invite you to join us in a memorial service on February 3, 2024, at 11 am at Woodlawn AME Church. David Michael Milliner, a former editor and publisher of The Chicago Defender, touched countless lives with his dedication to journalism and his commitment to community upliftment. To learn more about his remarkable journey, please read this heartfelt tribute: Link to the Chicago Defender Article. Your presence and support during this difficult time are deeply appreciated.