Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

Here’s a quick checklist of what’s changed in the 2018 proposed rule on MACRA.

Substantial time and effort by CMS and its subsidiaries over the past year suggests that quality care is an investment that the government would like to see providers everywhere embrace. The options outlined in last month’s “Quality Payment Program Year 2” proposed rule only strengthen its clinician outreach and endeavors.

Take a look at a few CY 2018 changes that may impact your Medicare Part B payment in the future:

• “Virtual Group” option for sole providers and group practices of 10 or less to report their MIPS measures together virtually.
• The choice to use 2014 CEHRT instead of 2015 CEHRT, but with the offer of bonus points added to the MIPS score.
• Adjustments to the weight of the categories under the MIPS composite score.
• Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) qualifying risk percentage of 8 percent was extended for two more years.
• Small and rural providers got a boost with more flexibility and reduced burdens.

Endnote: The lightened requirements and inclusive options are encouraging, and with the final rule not likely until later this year, expect more changes to follow that will make it easier for more providers to get involved in the new system. “We think the proposed rule is an effort by CMS to create a more level playing field that will allow individual practitioners and small groups more flexibility when participating in MIPS while continuing to make sure the payment reforms reach a large percentage of Medicare Part B payments,” say attorneys Benjamin Fee, Esq. of Dorsey and Whitney LLP. in the Des Moines, Iowa office.