The application period for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstance (EUC) and MIPS Promoting Interoperability Hardship Exception is open until January 2, 2024.
The EUC exception allows clinicians and groups to request reweighting of one or more MIPS performance categories due to an extreme and uncontrollable event. An extreme and uncontrollable event is defined as a rare occurrence outside of the control of the clinician or group that makes it impossible to collect data or submit data to CMS for the reporting period.
Examples of extreme and uncontrollable events include public health emergencies, natural disasters, service disruptions, cyberattacks, and other unforeseen circumstances. To qualify for the exception, the clinician or group must demonstrate how their performance data has been affected by the event and provide supporting documentation of the circumstances.
Clinicians and groups can apply online through the Quality Payment Program (QPP) website. CMS will review each application and notify the applicants of their approval or denial status via email. Approved applicants will have their performance categories reweighted to zero percent, which means they will not receive a payment adjustment based on their performance in those categories. Denied applicants will have to report data for all performance categories as usual.
More information on the 2023 MIPS EUC Application:
2023 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Application Guide
2023 MIPS Automatic EUC Factsheet
Visit the QPP website or contact the QPP Service Center at 866-288-8292 for additional questions.