AAPM&R, along with the American Medical Association (AMA) and other national physician specialty societies, recently sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) asking that the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting period be reduced from a full calendar year to a minimum of 90 consecutive days due to the lack of timely and direct notification about whether a physician is considered MIPS eligible.
In addition, there will be a further significant delay by CMS in updating the Quality Payment Program interactive website with 2018 information. The website is not expected to be updated until the summer of 2018, at the earliest. The two delays combined make it extraordinarily difficult for physicians to meet the full-year quality data reporting requirements for MIPS this year. The letter also requests a reduced reporting period for future MIPS program years in order to reduce administrative burdens and ensure physicians have sufficient time to report after receiving performance feedback from CMS.
To determine whether they are eligible for the MIPS program, physicians must actively consult CMS' website. Previously, CMS had mailed letters to practices to inform them of their eligibility status, which many practices were waiting for this year. Without direct outreach by CMS to physicians and group practices, many will be left in the dark on their status.
AAPMR members can check their QPP status on the QPP website.
Learn more about how you can meet your 2018 MIPS requirements with AAPM&R's Registry.