It's Time to Start Thinking About MIPS

If you’re nervous about this, it’s okay. There is a lot to process in the new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) that has been created out of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). MIPS rolls up PQRS, Physician Value-Based Modifiers, Advancing Care Information (formerly known as the EHR Incentive Program and Meaningful Use), as well as Alternative Payment Models.

Know that we’ve helped you through changes like this before, and we’ll do it again. If you look back, together we’ve adapted to a host of new government laws, initiatives, and programs over the years that have impacted the business and practice of healthcare. They run the gamut from CCHIT 2007/2008/2011, Meaningful Use Stage 1 in 2011, and Stage 2 in 2014. We’ve also implemented the National Provider ID, switching from ANSI 4010 to ANSI 5010 for billing, and from ICD-9 to ICD-10. Remember when ICD-10 seemed like it would end the world?

We’re more committed and more experienced than ever to advise, guide, and assist you in dealing with the impact of Meaningful Use Stage 3 which has been redefined via MACRA and MIPS. At STI we’ve always worked to provide a comprehensive range of software and services. And we’re on the move once again to help you thrive, not just survive.

Here’s what’s happening now: Behind the scenes our software development team has already started working on the new features, dashboard, and quality measures. Our Customer Services organization is building the training materials and workflow recommendations to make this as painless as possible. Although the final rule is not due out until November 1st, there are things you should be doing now. You should report for PQRS and successfully attest for Meaningful Use for 2016. Not doing so will negatively affect your Medicare reimbursements in 2018.  If you have avoided implementing an EMR until now , you should acquire one in 2016. Twenty-five percent of your composite performance score with MIPS starting in 2017 is based on your use of a certified EMR.

There’s a lot of talk, but also a lot of uncertainty and that’s what we’re managing for you. Upcoming dates include the publishing of CMS’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentive under the Physician Fee Schedule, and Criteria for Physician-Focused Payment Models Final Rule due out by November 2016. In addition, on or around November 1, 2016, CMS will announce the list of accepted Quality Measures that providers will need to report to meet part of the MIPS requirements.

Here’s what you can expect from STI: Soon we’ll start a series of educational communications, webinars, and videos that cover the big picture. As the government clarifies the requirements, we’ll also develop and refine more specific information about what you should do and when. You can keep appraised by making sure we have your email so that we can notify you when new information is available. If you receive our newsletters, you’ve got that covered! If you prefer, you can also watch for similar announcements and read what we’ve already posted via Twitter and/or Facebook.

We appreciate having you as our client and our goal is to make this easier for you!  Let us know whether we are on the right track or if you have any suggestions as to what could make the transition smoother in the comments below.