In the areas of advocacy, government affairs, and communications, the ACR will continue to bring you the latest information about the Sunshine Act and what it means to you, as well as keep you up to date about our formal positions on this issue. It’s critical for the ACR to continue its exemplary practices as an accredited CME provider and, where necessary, comply with the requirements for timely and accurate reporting. By taking this approach, the ACR will ensure you receive the highest quality education and stay true to its mission of Advancing Rheumatology!
Extending the disclosure to CME would ‘discourage physicians from learning new medical science by creating a false stigma.’
What You Can Do
As noted in the piece by Herb Barafs, MD, in the Nov. 5 issue of RheumWatch: Look at your data now, if you haven’t already done so. Know what’s being reported about “payments” to you. Begin disputing data where it’s necessary. Here’s how:
- Complete the CMS e-verification process through its Enterprise Portal (https://portal.cms.gov). This is a two-phase registration process. CMS has outlined instructions for physicians (http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/National-Physician-Payment-Transparency-Program/Downloads/Phys-Teaching-Hosp-Phase-1-EIDM-Registration-Steps-%5bJune-2014%5d.pdf).
- Register with the CMS Open Payments System (https://portal.cms.gov/wps/portal/unauthportal/registration). You must first be e-verified through the Enterprise Portal.
- Review data and dispute inaccuracies. CMS produced quick reference guides to assist with getting into the system and reviewing and disputing data, found at http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/National-Physician-Payment-Transparency-Program/Physicians.html.
- Check the Sunshine Act toolkit (http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/advocacy/topics/sunshine-act-and-physician-financial-transparency-reports/sunshine-act-toolkit.page). The AMA has put together this resource for physicians.
E. William St.Clair, MD, is president of the ACR and chief of the Duke Division of Rheumatology and Immunology. Dr. St.Clair, a rheumatologist, has 25 years of experience as a clinical investigator. Contact him at [email protected].