CMS Offers Relief to Clinicians by Extending the MIPS 2019 Deadline
While
the researchers everywhere in the world are trying to find a cure for COVID-19,
the number of patients suffering from the virus continues to increase. Not only
is the government using all the available machinery to make a vaccine, but it
is also making the necessary arrangements for the sick at the same time.
Providers
are also busy with the COVID-19 affectees, thus reporting MIPS 2019 is not on
their minds, primarily. At this time, what matters to them is to save lives.
But
the question is, who will give relief to the MIPS eligible clinicians?
The
answer is the Trump administration!
The
Trump administration, like in the past, comes to their rescue, and gives
maximum relief to clinicians. It extends the MIPS 2019 reporting deadline –
previously March 31, 2020 – to April 30, 2020.
MIPS 2019 and ACO Readjustments
As
of now, the reporting requirements for QPP MIPS 2019 and MIPS 2020 realign for
clinicians during the pandemic.
CMS
mentioned that it is being done to reduce data collection and reporting stress
on providers currently busy with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The
agency realizes that the performance on measures such as cost, readmissions,
and patient experience will remain unjustified during the pandemic, hence, it
is appropriate to show leniency.
Not
only do MIPS 2019 eligible clinicians are justifiably addressed but Accountable
Care Organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Saving Program (MSSP) also
find relief.
CMS Evaluates Its Options for MIPS 2020
MIPS 2020 started on January 1 and is currently underway. CMS is not sure about
relief around participation and data reporting in 2020. Since the pandemic is
still at large and without a definitive cure, we have no way to determine the
time it will end.
When
there are bells of relief ringing from every corner of the agency, hospitals
won’t need to submit data for programs involving kidney disease and
hospital-acquired situations.
Extension for Post-Acute Care Programs
The
same level of relief goes to post-acute care initiatives such as hospice and
home health quality reporting initiatives including the long-term hospital
quality initiative.
All
this leniency in reporting data suggests that the government is determined to
tackle the corona outbreak. In doing so, it takes those involved in confidence
for a permanent solution to this disease. Once it is over and things go back to
the way they were, we can always revisit the reporting guidelines.
Conclusion
Labels: MIPS 2019, MIPS 2020, MIPS in healthcare, QPP MIPS, Reporting MIPS 2019
