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

QPP MIPS in healthcare was devised to prioritize quality care among the citizens of the United States. Thus, it will continue to do so through measures, programs, and regulatory relief. Outcomes and Quality are the two factors that drive such thought-provoking and action-driven initiatives in the first place.