Medicare Quality Payment Programs
The way healthcare professionals are paid under Medicare has been transitioning from a volume-based payment system to a value-based payment system, for years. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) called for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to step up their efforts. CMS responded with the Quality Payment Program, which offers two tracks for participation: the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternate Payment Models (APMs). Beginning in 2019, MIPS and Advanced APMs will provide incentives to eligible clinicians who meet program requirements. These models will also change the way quality care is assessed. The movement will take years to fulfill, and it will require practices to remain current on developments and deadlines. As the implementation of the Quality Payment Program unfolds, consult this page for the latest news, assessments, and strategies for success. Learn More >
Apply Here for MIPS Hardship Exception
August 4, 2017 | Renee Dustman
The Quality Payment Program Hardship Exception Application for the 2017 performance year is now available on the Quality Payment Program website.
Determine if You Are Exempt
Clinicians who are eligible to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) this year, but are not able to
One Provision in QPP Proposed Rule Makes Quite an Impact
July 24, 2017 | Renee Dustman
In the 2018 Quality Payment Program proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on June 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that approximately 572,000 clinicians will be required to submit data under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in the second
2018 MPFS Proposed Rule Eases Reporting Criteria
July 19, 2017 | Renee Dustman
There’s a definite theme seen throughout the 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule: The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is referred to in nearly every section.
In reading the proposed rule, it becomes evident that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
New Webpage Helps Small, Rural Practices Participate in MIPS
July 3, 2017 | Renee Dustman
CMS announced over the weekend the launch of a new section on the Quality Payment Program (QPP) website dedicated to clinicians working in small or rural practices, as well as those treating patients in underserved areas. The new page serves as a single point of reference for these clinicians to he
AMA Makes MIPS Look Easy
June 22, 2017 | Renee Dustman
A new video and step-by-step guide developed by the American Medical Association walks physician practices through the steps they need to take, by Oct. 2, to meet the minimum reporting requirement for this first performance year of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). (more…)
Sneak a Peak at the 2018 QPP Proposed Rule
June 21, 2017 | Renee Dustman
A proposed rule for 2018 updates to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) holds few surprises, except for one: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing to increase the low-volume threshold to exempt more clinicians from the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
Small
Ignoring This Deadline Could Prove Costly
June 6, 2017 | Renee Dustman
Healthcare professionals who are eligible to participate in the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program this year must instead report under the Merit-based Incentive Program (MIPS) to avoid a negative payment adjustment in 2018. Not EHR-ready? You may qualify for an exemption.
CMS Predicts Qualifying APM Participants
June 5, 2017 | Renee Dustman
Physicians need wonder no more whether they'll don the honor of Qualifying Participant (QP) in an Advanced Alternate Payment Model (APM), this year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced over the weekend predictive QP status for 2017 Advanced APMs.
CMS predicts nearly
Preparing Systems for MIPS
June 5, 2017 | Maria Bondoc
The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), like the adoption of ICD-10, will drive changes in systems configuration. These changes are necessary to bill services accurately from the provider side, and process claims correctly from the payer side. These configuration changes should be started
Easy Way to Determine MIPS Participation Status
May 9, 2017 | Renee Dustman
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made it easier for clinicians to determine their eligibility in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS): A new interactive online tool allows clinicians to determine their status simply by entering their national provider identifier
MIPS Eligibility Coming In a Letter
April 27, 2017 | Renee Dustman
Not sure if your physician practice is eligible to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)? No worries: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reviewing claims and letting practices know which clinicians need to take part in MIPS.
In late April through
