MedPAC Recommends Simplifying MIPS Reporting

Primary care physicians can choose from two payment pathways in Medicare’s new Quality Payment Program, but one of these tracks needs major reform if it is to meet CMS’ goals of improving outcomes and reducing costs.

In its June report to Congress,(medpac.gov) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) made a detailed proposal to improve the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) track by incorporating more patient outcomes while reducing the reporting burden on physicians. Physicians on the MIPS track as it stands now will be evaluated on quality, cost, practice improvement and use of electronic health records (EHRs).

The other track is the advanced alternative payment model (AAPM), through which physicians can qualify for higher incentive payments but...