MIPS scores to boost payments

An investment advisor  spent almost an hour with the Shackelford County Hospital Board during the regular meeting on Monday, July 16.

Later, during the clinic session, the directors learned that the Shackelford County Health Clinic’s “Quality Scores” have resulted in an increase of Medicare payments to the clinic.

Hospital district administrator Jera Fairley reported the news that based on 2017 quality indicators, the clinic payment for Medicare patients will increase by 0.65 percent.

The Merit-based Incentive Payment System  known as MIPS was initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2015 in order to change Medicare payments to a value-based system rather than quantity of service. 

The year 2017 was the first performance period, with 2019 targeted as the payment year for that period.

District Investments

First Financial Bank investment advisor Phillip Hettich visited with the board about ways to invest the district’s fund balance, specifically explaining brokered CDs.

The directors reviewed Texas rules and regulations that pertain to secure and stable investments.

A decision is expected at the next board meeting on Aug. 20.