Staying In the Know on MACRA

By Stoltenberg Consulting

Archived Content

As a follow up to our last post, we want to give an update on the state of MACRA's Merit-based Incentive Payment System and reporting tips. First, let's address continued year 1 reporting.

Data Submission

Given feedback from clinicians across the country, CMS is working to lessen reporting confusion and burden. The center recently launched a data submission system for Quality Payment Program (QPP) participation. With the new platform, clinicians will need to create a login to submit and manage year 1 data, which is due by March 31, 2018. The system will connect clinicians to the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) associated with their National Provider Identifier (NPI) as eligible clinicians report either as individuals or a group. The system provides immediate feedback with real-time scoring as data is entered. However, scoring may change based on additional data input or new quality measure submission.

MIPS' Future

Though CMS recently unveiled QPP year 2's final rule, the group is now accepting recommendations for new specialty measure sets or revisions for 2019's MIPS program year. CMS will accept suggestions until Feb 9, 2018.

While program planning moves along, pushback from the Medicare Advisory Board (MedPAC) arose. The advisory body to Congress recently suggested replacing MIPS with an alternative program model that is less burdensome and complex for participants. Meeting notes are here, and no changes have been officially made.

As each MACRA public discussion and policy adjustment occurs, clinicians may find more and more uncertainty. Our goal is to keep readers in the know, so they can focus on quality patient care.