The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long-anticipated final rule for implementing the MACRA law passed in 2015.
Here are some need-to-know facts about the implementation of MACRA:
- The initial MACRA reporting period will begin January 1, 2017, as originally proposed in April 2016.
- This final rule covers the new Quality Payment Program (QPP) which replaces the SGR payment formula with a new framework based on CMS-designated value and quality measures.
- The QPP consists of two payment pathways – the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs).
- MIPS consolidates three existing value and quality programs: MU, PQRS, and the Value-based Modifier.
- The final rule adds flexible part-year reporting options to help practices transition to the QPP. However, a maximum penalty of -4% still exists for organizations that choose to report nothing in 2017.
We dove into the details on our last Health Reform Simplified Webinar. Listen to the recording if you missed it. Don’t miss November’s Monthly Health Reform Simplified session.
Here are some next steps to help prepare you:
- Join us at NextGen™ ONE User Group Meeting. The Value-based Care Success track at NextGen ONE UGM features sessions on a wide range of MACRA-related topics, starting with an all-day pre-conference session on November 6. You can evaluate your practice’s readiness for the new payment models by taking the Value-based Reimbursement Survey in the Expo Hall at NextGen ONE UGM.
- Register for the MACRA Quality Payment Program Deeper Dives webinar series:
- December 1: MACRA’s MIPS Quality and Resource Use Categories
- December 8: MACRA’s MIPS Clinical Practice Improvement Activities
- December 15: MACRA’s MIPS Scoring System and Advanced Alternative Payment Models Category
- Visit the MACRA page on Success Community.
- For more information from CMS, read Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt’s announcement on The CMS Blog about the final rule release. Review the CMS Quality Payment Program Overview Fact Sheet, or read the full 2,400-page ruling.
- Finally, visit the new Quality Payment Program website at qpp.cms.gov.