CMS Allows You to Pick Your Pace for MIPS in 2017

Andy Slavitt, Acting Director of CMS, released a statement on September 8th outlining CMS’ plans for introducing the new set of programs collectively called Quality Payment Programs, which include MACRA and MIPS.

The main focus of this communication was to highlight their plan to allow providers to pick their pace in which they adopt the program in 2017. Providers will have one of 4 options, as highlighted below:

Test the Quality Payment Program: by choosing to submit “some” Quality Payment data for a reduced number of days, providers could still qualify for a small positive payment adjustment.

Participate for the Part of the Calendar Year: by choosing to submit Quality Payment information for a reduced number of days, beginning on or after January 1, 2017, providers could qualify for a small positive payment adjustment.

Participate for the Full Calendar Year: by choosing to submit Quality Payment information for a full calendar year, beginning January 1, 2017, providers could qualify for a modest positive payment adjustment.

Participate in an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM): by choosing to submit Quality Payment information by joining an APM for the entire year, providers could qualify for a 5 percent incentive payment in 2019.

Stayed tuned for more information as the Final Rule will not be released until November 1, 2016.