MedPAC approves recommendations aimed at improving encounter data

MedPAC voted to approve a set of recommendations aimed at boosting the accuracy of Medicare Advantage encounter data.

The recommendations will be included in the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s June report to Congress. The panel suggests a broader set of performance metrics, a payment withhold to push MA plans to comply and, if needed, mandate that noncompliant plans collect data through Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs).

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is looking to draw 50% of its data for MA risk adjustment from encounter data beginning in 2020. Insurers have expressed concern, saying the data are often inaccurate or incomplete....