CMS's public outreach efforts now include several social media tools. The agency overseeing the Medicare and Medicaid programs has launched Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts, but don't expect CMS to respond to comments or complaints on these social media sites.

A review of the agency's utilization of social media shows CMS isn't taking full advantage of the capabilities of each account. Mainly, there's a lack of socializing going on. CMS is using the channels to push out information to its followers and account subscribers, and that's it. You won't find members of the general public interacting with the agency.

You'll find other government agencies, such as the EPA's Twitter account, at times interacting with other Tweeters. But most other government social media sites, like the State Department and HHS Twitter accounts, aren't doing much interaction, either.  

Click here to read more on CMS social media

Medicare Advantage (MA) premiums will be 1% lower and patient enrollment is projected to increase by 5% in 2011, CMS announced Tuesday.

"Despite the claims of some, Medicare Advantage remains strong and a robust option for millions of seniors who choose to enroll or stay in a participating plan today and in the future," said CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, MD, in a statement. "The Affordable Care Act gave us new authority to negotiate with health plans in a competitive marketplace. As a result, our beneficiaries will save money and maintain their benefits."

Your Medicare patients will have access to most of the Medicare Advantage plans you currently accept. CMS says 99.7% of plans available today will be available in 2011. The health care reform law does allow patients to disenroll from a MA plan and return to the traditional fee-for-service program between Jan. 1 and March 15 of each year. 

From CMS - A little breathing room to implement ICD-10-CM.

CMS recently greenlit two groups -- the non-profit Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) and the for-profit Drummond Group Inc. -- to certify electronic health record (EHR) systems. Only certified systems have the features needed to meet meaningful use, and earn providers up to $44,000 apiece in federal incentive money. Both groups recently posted PDFs listing their fees and methodology for testing and certifying EHRs, and the figures are pretty steep (read more on EHR certification fees and testing) ...

CMS's Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will be offline for scheduled maintenance from Wednesday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 3. 

By our count, this is the second time PECOS will be out for maintenance this year. But many Medicare providers reported PECOS was virtually paralyzed at times over the summer as the online enrollment site was overwhelmed with visitor traffic.  

While PECOS is out, CMS suggests you wait for it to go back online on Oct. 4 or complete the paper enrollment application. If you need assistance or have questions, CMS suggests you contact the Medicare fee-for-service contractor serving your state.