Epic1 PAMA Updates:

PAMA Update for Epic1 Website: August 2022

In July 2020, CMS postponed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) payment penalties.

When this is rescheduled, BJC is prepared to start AUC coding of all Advanced Imaging Exams with a 90 Day Go Live Plan. At that time, all outpatient Advanced Imaging orders will require that AUC codes be provided at the time the order is placed. Patients will not be scheduled without a valid order that includes the AUC codes. Orders without the codes will be invalid orders and returned to the ordering provider for AUC coding. BJC is prohibited under this CMS Rule from adding the codes on behalf of the provider.

Options for OUTPATIENT ordering providers:

1. If you have access to the BJC/WU Epic platform, enter the order directly in Epic. The Clinical Decision Support and coding are built in.
2. If you do not have BJC/WU Epic in your practice and would like BJC/WU EpicCare Link access to place orders, contact the BJC EpicCare Link Team at https://www.myepiccarelink.org.
3. If your office EMR has PAMA Decision Support built in, be prepared to activate this feature prior to the penalty date. BJC will go live with the AUC coding 6-8 weeks in advance of the penalty date.
4. If your EMR does not have PAMA compliant coding available or you use paper charts, there are free online webservices available for PAMA AUC coding.