The Acmeware Blog

Regulatory updates, Data Repository best practices, and healthcare IT insights from the team that built it.

Understanding the MIPS Complex Patient Bonus

The MIPS Complex Patient Bonus awards up to 10 points based on medical complexity (HCC scores) and social risk (dual eligibility ratio).

Read

Optimize Your MIPS Cost Category Score

The MIPS Cost category accounts for 30% of your score in 2024. Learn strategies to optimize performance across 29 cost measures.

Read

All Articles

SAFER Guides-Contingency Planning

CMS now requires SAFER Guides attestation for Promoting Interoperability. Learn why EHR contingency planning is critical for patient safety.

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2022 Quality Reporting Requirements for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

A comprehensive guide to CY 2022 IPFQR chart-abstracted measures, claims-based measures, and Joint Commission reporting requirements.

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2023 IPF PPS Final Rule

CMS finalized a 2.5% IPF payment increase with no changes to the IPFQR Program and solicited feedback on health equity disparities.

Read

2023 IPPS Final Rule

CMS finalized ten new IQR measures, expanded eCQM requirements, and restructured PI scoring in the FY 2023 IPPS Final Rule.

Read

2023 OPPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed keeping OP-31 voluntary, aligning chart-abstracted measure timing with calendar years, and new validation targeting criteria.

Read

2023 QPP Proposed Rule

CMS proposed five new MVPs, a 75-point threshold, nine new quality measures, and PI changes including required PDMP query for the 2023 QPP.

Read

2023 IPPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed ten new IQR measures, increased eCQM requirements, and significant PI scoring changes in the FY 2023 IPPS Proposed Rule.

Read

Electronic Case Reporting

Electronic Case Reporting automates real-time sharing of reportable condition data between EHR systems and public health agencies.

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Why Power BI is the Best Reporting Platform for DR - Part 2

Part 2 explores how Power BI's cached data model and dynamic visualizations deliver a superior end-user analytics experience over SSRS.

Read

Why Power BI is the Best Reporting Platform for DR

Part 1 of a two-part series examining why Power BI outperforms SQL Server Reporting Services for MEDITECH Data Repository analytics.

Read

Data Models in Power BI

Data models are foundational to Power BI report development. This article explores star schemas, rowset-based models, and snowflake schemas.

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Connecting to DR with Power BI

Learn how to connect Power BI to MEDITECH Data Repository using Import and DirectQuery modes while building effective data models.

Read

Microsoft Power BI and DR

Power BI brings modern analytics to MEDITECH Data Repository, connecting multiple data sources into interactive dashboards and reports.

Read

MUSE Views Podcast

Acmeware President Joel Benware discusses the Empower platform, AI-driven analytics, and Downtime Defender on the MUSE Views podcast.

Read

External Links in MEDITECH

External Links in MEDITECH let users launch web-based reports, Power BI dashboards, and intranet resources directly from application menus.

Read

Emergency Preparedness in Healthcare

A structured six-phase approach to EHR downtime planning that keeps clinical data accessible and patient care safe during outages.

Read

Know Your Data

Data Repository and SQL Server tools help you visualize MEDITECH data, build better NPR and RD reports, and train new analysts faster.

Read

The Importance of Data Governance

Healthcare data governance establishes policies for data quality, security, and consistent use that support better clinical and strategic decisions.

Read

EHR Downtime Insights

MEDITECH community survey data reveals that 32% of hospitals experienced 12+ hour downtimes, underscoring the need for robust preparedness.

Read

Data Repository System Tables

MEDITECH's DR system tables map application data to SQL columns, helping report writers quickly find the right tables and fields.

Read

Nonclustered Indexes in Data Repository

A practical guide to creating nonclustered indexes in Data Repository, including when they help, what to index, and advanced strategies.

Read

Working with Precision in T-SQL

Understand the ROUND function, float vs. decimal data types, and truncation behavior to write accurate numeric calculations in T-SQL.

Read

The Importance of DR Maintenance

Regular DR maintenance including transfer monitoring, error review, storage management, and index defragmentation prevents data accuracy issues.

Read

So You Want a Barcode

Install free barcode fonts and apply them in SSRS or Power BI Report Builder to add scannable barcodes to any Data Repository report.

Read

Report and Data Validation

A validation checklist for Data Repository reports covering data accuracy, source comparison, and file export verification.

Read

Quality

2027 IPF PPS Final Rule

CMS published proposed changes to the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting program, including measure removals and a new patient assessment instrument.

Read

2027 IPPS Final Rule

CMS published proposed changes to Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting and Medicare Promoting Interoperability programs for FY 2027.

Read

Understanding the MIPS Complex Patient Bonus

The MIPS Complex Patient Bonus awards up to 10 points based on medical complexity (HCC scores) and social risk (dual eligibility ratio).

Read

Optimize Your MIPS Cost Category Score

The MIPS Cost category accounts for 30% of your score in 2024. Learn strategies to optimize performance across 29 cost measures.

Read

Navigating Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Reporting

AUR reporting becomes mandatory for CY 2024 Promoting Interoperability. This guide covers NHSN registration, MEDITECH build, and mapping.

Read

2024 QPP Final Rule

CMS kept the MIPS threshold at 75 points, finalized five new cost measures, 16 MVPs, and expanded PI requirements in the 2024 QPP Final Rule.

Read

2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

CMS finalized six new MVPs, 190 quality measures, PI security changes, a new AI safety improvement activity, and eCR suppression for the 2026 QPP.

Read

2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

CMS proposed six new MVPs, 190 quality measures, a continued 75-point threshold, and PI changes including TEFCA bonus and eCR suppression for 2026.

Read

2024 OPPS Final Rule

CMS finalized two new OQR measures and modified three, while notably retaining the Left Without Being Seen measure due to worsening LWBS rates.

Read

2026 OPPS Final Rule

CMS finalized the Emergency Care Access eCQM replacing two ED measures, removed four measures, and extended voluntary CT radiation eCQM reporting.

Read

2026 IPF PPS Final Rule

CMS finalized removing four IPFQR measures, extending the ED Visit measure to a 2-year period, and adjusting the ECE policy to 60 days.

Read

2026 IPPS Final Rule

CMS finalized removing four measures, reinstating COVID-19 patients in outcome measures, and updating PI security and SAFER Guides requirements.

Read

2026 OPPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed the Emergency Care Access eCQM, removal of five measures including COVID-19 HCP and SDOH, and extended CT radiation voluntary reporting.

Read

2026 IPF PPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed removing four IPFQR measures, extending the ED Visit measure to a 2-year period, and solicited feedback on a future IPF star rating system.

Read

2026 IPPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed removing four measures including COVID-19 HCP and SDOH, modifying stroke and THA/TKA measures, and updating PI security requirements.

Read

2024 QPP Proposed Rule

CMS proposed an 82-point threshold, five new MVPs, five new cost measures, and expanded PI requirements for the 2024 QPP.

Read

2024 IPPS Final Rule

CMS finalized three new eCQMs, measure modifications and removals, and mandatory SAFER Guides attestation in the FY 2024 IPPS Final Rule.

Read

2024 IPF PPS Final Rule

CMS finalized three health equity measures, a patient experience measure, two removals, and a voluntary validation pilot for the IPFQR Program.

Read

2024 OPPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed three new OQR measures including a patient-reported outcomes measure, modified three existing measures, and proposed removing LWBS.

Read

2024 IPPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed three new eCQMs, three measure modifications, three removals, and mandatory SAFER Guides attestation in the FY 2024 IPPS Proposed Rule.

Read

2024 IPF PPS Proposed Rule

CMS proposed three health equity measures, a patient experience measure, two measure removals, and a validation pilot for the IPFQR Program.

Read

Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care

Understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice care is essential for accurate quality reporting and eCQM denominator exclusions.

Read

New Requirements to Reduce Health Care Disparities

Effective January 2023, Joint Commission accredited organizations must meet new requirements addressing health care disparities as a quality priority.

Read

2023 OPPS Final Rule

CMS finalized OP-31 as voluntary, aligned chart-abstracted timing with calendar years, and added new validation targeting criteria.

Read

2023 QPP Final Rule

CMS finalized five new MVPs, a 75-point threshold with no exceptional performance bonus, and PI changes including required PDMP query.

Read

Data Repository

Why Power BI is the Best Reporting Platform for DR - Part 2

Part 2 explores how Power BI's cached data model and dynamic visualizations deliver a superior end-user analytics experience over SSRS.

Read

Why Power BI is the Best Reporting Platform for DR

Part 1 of a two-part series examining why Power BI outperforms SQL Server Reporting Services for MEDITECH Data Repository analytics.

Read

Data Models in Power BI

Data models are foundational to Power BI report development. This article explores star schemas, rowset-based models, and snowflake schemas.

Read

Connecting to DR with Power BI

Learn how to connect Power BI to MEDITECH Data Repository using Import and DirectQuery modes while building effective data models.

Read

Microsoft Power BI and DR

Power BI brings modern analytics to MEDITECH Data Repository, connecting multiple data sources into interactive dashboards and reports.

Read

The Importance of Data Governance

Healthcare data governance establishes policies for data quality, security, and consistent use that support better clinical and strategic decisions.

Read

EHR Downtime Insights

MEDITECH community survey data reveals that 32% of hospitals experienced 12+ hour downtimes, underscoring the need for robust preparedness.

Read

Data Repository System Tables

MEDITECH's DR system tables map application data to SQL columns, helping report writers quickly find the right tables and fields.

Read

Nonclustered Indexes in Data Repository

A practical guide to creating nonclustered indexes in Data Repository, including when they help, what to index, and advanced strategies.

Read

Working with Precision in T-SQL

Understand the ROUND function, float vs. decimal data types, and truncation behavior to write accurate numeric calculations in T-SQL.

Read

The Importance of DR Maintenance

Regular DR maintenance including transfer monitoring, error review, storage management, and index defragmentation prevents data accuracy issues.

Read

So You Want a Barcode

Install free barcode fonts and apply them in SSRS or Power BI Report Builder to add scannable barcodes to any Data Repository report.

Read

Report and Data Validation

A validation checklist for Data Repository reports covering data accuracy, source comparison, and file export verification.

Read

SQL Server User-Defined Functions II

Table-valued functions centralize complex multi-table logic so teams can write standardized, maintainable DR code across the organization.

Read

Why SourceID is Important in DR

Including SourceID in every DR join enables efficient Clustered Index Seeks instead of slow full-table scans on realistic queries.

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SQL Server User-Defined Functions

User-defined functions in SQL Server let you create reusable logic for common calculations like patient age and clinical time intervals.

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Optimal DR tempdb Configuration

Follow MEDITECH best practices to configure tempdb with dedicated storage, eight data files, and proper sizing for optimal DR performance.

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Using URLs in SQL Server Reporting Services - Part 2

Use URL-based navigation to connect SSRS reports across different project folders by constructing parameterized links in T-SQL.

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Using URLs in SQL Server Reporting Services

Use the Action property in SQL Server Reporting Services to build dynamic URL-based navigation from report data to external websites.

Read

Multi-value Parameters in SQL Server Reporting Services

A step-by-step guide to implementing multi-value dropdown parameters in SSRS using a table-valued function and stored procedures.

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Primary Keys in Data Repository

Primary keys define table uniqueness and parent-child relationships in DR, making them essential for correct and efficient SQL joins.

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Why Data Repository is Different

Data Repository differs from typical SQL databases in collation, normalization, schema stability, and sheer complexity of healthcare data.

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When to Build a Data Mart

Data marts improve report performance by separating complex, frequently-refreshed datasets from the live Data Repository.

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Management Studio Shortcuts

Boost your SQL Server Management Studio productivity with custom query shortcuts, block select editing, and essential keyboard commands.

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Where's the Data?

An introductory guide to how MEDITECH organizes clinical and financial data in the Data Repository for new report writers.

Read

Thought Leadership

MUSE Views Podcast

Acmeware President Joel Benware discusses the Empower platform, AI-driven analytics, and Downtime Defender on the MUSE Views podcast.

Read

External Links in MEDITECH

External Links in MEDITECH let users launch web-based reports, Power BI dashboards, and intranet resources directly from application menus.

Read

Emergency Preparedness in Healthcare

A structured six-phase approach to EHR downtime planning that keeps clinical data accessible and patient care safe during outages.

Read

Know Your Data

Data Repository and SQL Server tools help you visualize MEDITECH data, build better NPR and RD reports, and train new analysts faster.

Read

The Value of Validating eCQM Data

Continuous eCQM data validation prevents submission errors, catches mapping issues early, and prepares your facility for CMS audits.

Read

The True Cost of EHR Downtime for a Critical Access Hospital

EHR downtime at a critical access hospital costs $100K-$230K per day in lost revenue, staff overtime, and operational disruption, with compounding patient safety and reputational consequences.

Read

Enterprise Downtime Solutions vs. Downtime Defender: The Right MEDITECH Downtime Solution for Your Hospital's Size

A comparison of enterprise-scale MEDITECH downtime platforms versus Downtime Defender's right-sized approach for community and critical access hospitals.

Read

What MEDITECH Alliance Collaborator Status Means for Downtime Defender and Your Hospital

Downtime Defender's acceptance into the MEDITECH Alliance program as a Collaborator signals ecosystem alignment and reduced evaluation risk for community hospitals evaluating downtime solutions.

Read

How Anderson Hospital Eliminated Downtime Stress with a Solution Built for Their Size

How Anderson Hospital, a 154-bed community hospital on MEDITECH Expanse, found a downtime solution that matched their operational reality.

Read

Your CEO Just Asked About Your Ransomware Plan

A practical ransomware readiness checklist and framework for small MEDITECH hospital IT directors facing tough questions from leadership.

Read

EHR Downtime Preparedness for Community and Critical Access Hospitals

The downtime preparedness gap at community and critical access MEDITECH hospitals, and how to close it with right-sized solutions.

Read

All MEDITECH Blog Articles

2027 IPF PPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS published proposed changes to the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting program, including measure removals and a new patient assessment instrument.

Read

2027 IPPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS published proposed changes to Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting and Medicare Promoting Interoperability programs for FY 2027.

Read

Understanding the MIPS Complex Patient Bonus

Blog

The MIPS Complex Patient Bonus awards up to 10 points based on medical complexity (HCC scores) and social risk (dual eligibility ratio).

Read

Optimize Your MIPS Cost Category Score

Blog

The MIPS Cost category accounts for 30% of your score in 2024. Learn strategies to optimize performance across 29 cost measures.

Read

Navigating Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Reporting

Blog

AUR reporting becomes mandatory for CY 2024 Promoting Interoperability. This guide covers NHSN registration, MEDITECH build, and mapping.

Read

2024 QPP Final Rule

Blog

CMS kept the MIPS threshold at 75 points, finalized five new cost measures, 16 MVPs, and expanded PI requirements in the 2024 QPP Final Rule.

Read

2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized six new MVPs, 190 quality measures, PI security changes, a new AI safety improvement activity, and eCR suppression for the 2026 QPP.

Read

2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed six new MVPs, 190 quality measures, a continued 75-point threshold, and PI changes including TEFCA bonus and eCR suppression for 2026.

Read

2024 OPPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized two new OQR measures and modified three, while notably retaining the Left Without Being Seen measure due to worsening LWBS rates.

Read

2026 OPPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized the Emergency Care Access eCQM replacing two ED measures, removed four measures, and extended voluntary CT radiation eCQM reporting.

Read

2026 IPF PPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized removing four IPFQR measures, extending the ED Visit measure to a 2-year period, and adjusting the ECE policy to 60 days.

Read

2026 IPPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized removing four measures, reinstating COVID-19 patients in outcome measures, and updating PI security and SAFER Guides requirements.

Read

2026 OPPS Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed the Emergency Care Access eCQM, removal of five measures including COVID-19 HCP and SDOH, and extended CT radiation voluntary reporting.

Read

2026 IPF PPS Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed removing four IPFQR measures, extending the ED Visit measure to a 2-year period, and solicited feedback on a future IPF star rating system.

Read

2026 IPPS Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed removing four measures including COVID-19 HCP and SDOH, modifying stroke and THA/TKA measures, and updating PI security requirements.

Read

2024 QPP Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed an 82-point threshold, five new MVPs, five new cost measures, and expanded PI requirements for the 2024 QPP.

Read

2024 IPPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized three new eCQMs, measure modifications and removals, and mandatory SAFER Guides attestation in the FY 2024 IPPS Final Rule.

Read

2024 IPF PPS Final Rule

Blog

CMS finalized three health equity measures, a patient experience measure, two removals, and a voluntary validation pilot for the IPFQR Program.

Read

2024 OPPS Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed three new OQR measures including a patient-reported outcomes measure, modified three existing measures, and proposed removing LWBS.

Read

2024 IPPS Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed three new eCQMs, three measure modifications, three removals, and mandatory SAFER Guides attestation in the FY 2024 IPPS Proposed Rule.

Read

2024 IPF PPS Proposed Rule

Blog

CMS proposed three health equity measures, a patient experience measure, two measure removals, and a validation pilot for the IPFQR Program.

Read

Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care

Blog

Understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice care is essential for accurate quality reporting and eCQM denominator exclusions.

Read

New Requirements to Reduce Health Care Disparities

Blog

Effective January 2023, Joint Commission accredited organizations must meet new requirements addressing health care disparities as a quality priority.

Read