OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (April 23, 2018)—Netsmart today announced it has received the first ONC-Health IT 2015 Edition Certified solution specifically for palliative care. The palliative care solution within the myUnity platform is powered by myAvatar.

Palliative care is getting increased attention as health systems and payers are developing strategies for value-based care and establishing compliance with the Medicare Access and CHIPS Reauthorization Act (MACRA), specifically Medicare Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Under the quality payment program, palliative care organizations that bill Medicare more than $30,000 a year and have more than 100 beneficiaries are required to comply with the regulations.

“The palliative care market is in a unique situation, requiring clinicians above the minimum threshold to comply with the quality payment program,” said Netsmart CEO Mike Valentine. “To avoid a Medicare payment adjustment, health care providers must use an EHR that is certified specifically for the EHR incentive programs. The capacity to electronically share accurate and updated patient health data and closely monitor clinical quality measures, quickly and easily is critical to their success.”

Netsmart is one of the largest health care IT providers in homecare and hospice today. “NHPCO data shows that in 2016 there were 4,382 hospices operating in the U.S.,” said Valentine. “Of the clients we’ve spoken with, about 50 percent said that they operate some form of palliative care program and many others have recently indicated that they are in the process of launching one. The need for this solution is tremendous.”

This Health IT Module is 2015 Edition compliant and has been certified by an ONC-ACB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification is listed as myAvatar Certified Edition certification number 15.04.04.2816.myAv.06.01.0.17227. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Visit ntst.com for more information.