Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

The eased CEHRT requirements give Part B providers more time to adapt and adopt.

CMS understands that you’ve struggled riding Medicare’s reimbursement roller coaster this past year under MACRA’s quality and value-based initiatives. And due to an abundance of stakeholder commentary, its decided to slow down the process, offering respite to eligible clinicians with the “Quality Payment Program Year 2” proposed rule.

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.

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