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Certification of Medical Assistants

Participation in Medicare’s incentive programs will continue to change the way Starling and other leading group’s practice as we have seen with the increasing challenging Meaningful Use measures. As we moved from MU and PQRS to MIPS the operation team is identifying and bringing to the board(s) the changes that are necessary to ensure our reimbursement remains at the highest possible levels.

One recent change that was discussed at the both branch board levels was the need to have certified licensed professionals including certified Medical Assistants in the practice. For Meaningful Use this comes into play as only certified professionals can enter electronic orders (CPOE) for medications, labs and radiology to get credit for the measure.

In order to set ourselves up for success with future Meaningful Use requirements, both branch Board of Directors approved a plan requiring that all MA staff obtain their Certification through the AMA as a Certified MA or the AMT as a Registered MA within 18 months (by December 31, 2017). To accomplish this goal, a partnership approach between our Physicians and Practice Managers is essential and a discussion with each MA is needed to put in place individualized plans to obtain certification. We are asking that you strive for certification by 12/31/16; however bothBoards agreed that there will be unique circumstances along the way that may require more time; therefore not making certification mandatory until 12/31/17. In January, 2018, any MA not certified will require a role re-assessment.

There is a cost for certification for each MA; this cost will be a department expense. Both branch boards felt strongly that the MA certification requirement will be a necessity for us to fully participate in current and future government payer incentive programs .

The per MA fee is:

  1. AMA Certification / Certified MA: $125 for test and certification and annual dues of $97.
  2. AMT Certification / Registered MA: $120 for test and certification and annual dues of $50.