Quality Payment Program (QPP)

March 25, 2019 // Randy Glick

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a new report that offers a look at how physicians fared the first year of its Quality Payment Program (QPP).

According to CMS, the goal of releasing the data in the report is to highlight successes and pain points that can inform QPP participation in the future.

The QPP includes two possible tracks for doctors, the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and the Advanced Alternative Payment Model. In 2017, more than 1 million doctors enrolled in MIPS, about 95% of those eligible, while more than 99,000 qualified for APM, which is a higher risk-bearing, according to the report.

The participation numbers outperform CMS’ projections and goals for the program’s first year. According to the report, the agency was aiming for 90% participation in MIPS and for about 70,000 physicians to enter the more advanced models.

According to the findings, clinicians in rural practices participated in MIPS at a rate of 94%, which was effectively equal to the overall average and a remarkable accomplishment.

“We look forward to continuing to listen and identify ways to improve the Quality Payment Program to help drive value, reduce burden, and improve outcomes for our beneficiaries,” CMS wrote.

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