Advocacy in Action - Quality Payment Program Support
Carter L. Alleman, J.D.
On October 14, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule with comment period to implement MACRA’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (Advanced APMs). Collectively, these programs are part of what CMS now calls the Quality Payment Program (QPP). CMS has also issued a fact sheet, an executive summary, and an online toolkit on the payment program.
This may sound redundant, because it is. It is important to highlight the fact that the Quality Payment Program is the new payment model for physicians under Medicare. The entirety of the Washington Watch is dedicated to the QPP. This month’s Advocacy in Action is highlighting resources that you can review and use in determining which of the four options you would take to participate in the QPP. There are two other options, either you do not participate and take an automatic 4% penalty in Year 2019 or you meet the exclusions and do not have to participate.
In the ACOS’ letters to CMS on MACRA, we stressed the need for flexibility, attention to the needs of small practices, and educational support from CMS. CMS responded with the options for participation in 2017, moved back the official start date of the program, provided resources and support of small practices, and provided educational resources for physicians to learn about the QPP.
CMS Website
The CMS created a website dedicated solely to the QPP. On the website, you can walk through a summary of the QPP, expectations, requirements, and general policy discussions. One of the key features on the website is the ability to review Quality Measures to assist in your reporting. While on this page, you can select different measures, see what is expected from them, and add those measures to a basket which you can then print off to integrate into your practice. CMS also provides similar features for Advancing Care Information and Improvement Activities. It is important to note that the measures that you select are for educational purposes only and you cannot submit or attest from the website.
Current CMS Resources
CMS’ Quality Payment Program Website
CMS’ Small Practice Fact Sheet
CMS’ Comprehensive List of APMs
AOA Resources
The AOA created a website dedicated to understanding the QPP. On its website is a series of videos and interactive learning tools that will assist you with understanding the QPP and what it means for you. The AOA website is available here.
Webinars
The AMA will be holding several webinars to discuss the QPP and its impact on physicians. The webinars are listed below. The ACOS will make sure to alert its members of any other webinars from CMS and other organizations that are made available.
Monday, Nov. 21, 2016
7 pm – 8:30 pm Eastern
Physician/Staff - webinar
Registration: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/y70aavsqh5g0&eom
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016
6:30 pm – 9 pm Eastern Time
Atlanta regional seminar (streaming and webinar)
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macra-regional-seminar-atlanta-tickets-28840143646
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Eastern Time
Physician/staff - webinar
Registration: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/j8d0v8kh1qr3&eom
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016
9 am -11:30 Pacific Time
San Francisco Regional Seminar (streaming and webinar)
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macra-regional-seminar-san-francisco-tickets-28863673023