Nov. 11, 2015
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the American Board of Optometry (ABO) Board Certification will be added to the Physician Compare web site on Medicare.gov.
The announcement came as part of a final rule issued by CMS updating payment policies, payment rates and quality provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) on or after Jan. 1, 2016. In continuing the move toward public reporting, Certifying Board will be included in provider credentials on Physician Compare, including the addition of the American Board of Optometry as a Certifying Board. ABO is the only optometric certification board that will be recognized by Physician Compare.
This rule reflects a broader strategy to create a health care system that results in better health care and smarter spending by encouraging providers to report to Medicare on cost measures and the quality of care provided to beneficiaries. Starting in 2019, adjustments to provider payments for quality reporting and other factors will be made under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). MIPS will replace the Value-Based Payment Modifier, which is set to expire at the end of 2018.
“This is an important milestone for all Certifying Boards, especially the American Board of Optometry,” says Dr. James Vaught, ABO’s interim executive director. “Providers should be recognized for their extensive training, and board certification is acknowledged and valued by doctors, insurers and patients alike.”
The ABO’s board certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and the MOC process is recognized by CMS as substantially equivalent to that of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
