Blog
MIPS: Heed the Undertow
Wikipedia defines undertow as “the under-current which is moving offshore when waves are approaching the shore.” The eye is deceived by focusing on the waves coming in and does not see the strong counter current ready to catch you by surprise. The danger is in the...
The Final MIPS Scores: What to Know
The MIPS scores based on 2017 performance were released just over a month ago and there are a few things to know. It is now possible to sign in and, as CMS tell us, “view your final performance feedback, which includes your final score and payment adjustment...
MIPS: The Incredible Shrinking Incentive
I first received a hint that something funny was going on about two weeks ago. A colleague who is one of the foremost MACRA-MIPS experts contacted me about one of her clients. They had just checked the provider’s 2017 final MIPS score and it was a high one, 93.87....
MACRA/MIPS: The Final Scores Cometh
Seem like we’ve been waiting for this a long, long time. All these MACRA/MIPS mileposts and deadlines have come and gone. The rear-view mirror shows where we’ve been, but what lies ahead? Here is what CMS tell us: The data submission period for the 2017...
MIPS: The Chickens are Coming Home to Roost
Last month I wrote a post titled MIPS Data: The Finish Line is Crossed. In that blog I noted that the MIPS data submission window ended April 3, 2018 for the 2017 reporting period. After that date it was too late to make strategic decisions on relevant issues such...
MIPS Data: The Finish Line is Crossed
The race is over, all the data is locked, and now we just wait for the results. The MIPS 2017 data submission period ended last week on April 3, 2018. The time for strategic planning and decision making is over. Submit on an individual or group basis? Choose this...
Death of the Middleman: Healthcare & Blockchain
I’ve seen it twice before. Some new technology drops out of the sky and within a few years we are living in a different world. First, we witnessed the rise of the personal computer. In the early days it was only the nerds who saw it coming and naysayers were...
MACRA – MIPS: Privilege and the Zero-Sum Game
Over the holidays I have been thinking a lot about the MACRA & MIPS program. Maybe too much. Something about it doesn’t sit right with me. I have had a nagging sense that there was a flaw in the program. Something about it just seems wrong. First, I must offer...
MACRA – MIPS: OIG Waves the Yellow Flag
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) last week released the Followup Review: CMS’s Management of The Quality Payment Program (QPP). In 2016 OIG published their initial assessment of the management of the QPP by CMS. This secondary release was to access progress...
MIPS: Quality Measures – Let the Chooser Beware
For the 2017 MACRA & MIPS reporting year the greatest impact on an Eligible Clinician’s MIPS score will be the Quality Category. CMS provides the following instructions: “Clinicians choose six measures to report to CMS that best reflect their practice. One of...
