Implementing the requirements for the Quality Payment Program (QPP) under MACRA can be difficult and confusing for many medical practices. Large groups and healthcare systems undoubtedly have an advantage over smaller practices because they can hire people, sometimes even departments, to interpret and employ the new regulations. Fortunately for the smaller private practice and solo practitioners there are resources available to help with the transition.
Last year the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to one of the two QPP tracks, the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which is good news for medical practices because it actually provides more flexibility than previously allowed. Among other things, the changes that were made will allow more rural healthcare facilities to be exempt from MIPS, reporting category weights have changed (Quality, Advancing Care, Improvement, and Cost), quality reporting requirements have increased to 12 months, and incentives for using certified EHR systems have been extended.
While the requirements may seem overwhelming checking the CMS website for “Transmittals” is often the best place to start sorting out all the changes. The transmittals are summaries of recent CMS changes, which will help avoid having to read and re-read all the requirements. The Quarterly Provider Updates (QPU) are also available online and can be a helpful resource for an office manager, administrator, or a physician when periodically checking the regulation changes. The CMS website is the most complete resource for keeping up with QPP, MACRA, and MIPS, but there are other ways to get help and information.
Many of eQuoteMD’s medical malpractice insurance partners across the country also provide resources in understanding and implementing the Quality Payment Program (QPP) requirements. The Doctors Company recently published a helpful article summarizing the changes to QPP for 2018. In addition, many of our other carrier partners have resources: NORCAL Mutual Group, ProAssurance, MedPro, Coverys, and more, just to name a few. When a physician or practice is insured by one of these companies, they often receive compliance and risk management help for free, and some will include CME credits and discounts when programs are completed.
If you’re having trouble navigating the changes and wonder if your practice is implementing the Quality Payment Program requirements let one of our medical malpractice brokers connect you with a trusted partner that can help. Start by getting a Quick Quote online — we make it easy and affordable to find a medical professional liability insurance company that cares about physicians.
