What is MACRA?
The MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) is the new healthcare reform poised to replace all of the different “patchwork programs” for physicians who receive Medicare payments. As part of the shift towards value-based programs proposed by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), it’s purpose is to set up a new framework that rewards physicians, not on the amount, but the quality of care they provide. As a provider, you have two different options for how you want to get reimbursed: MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System) and APMs (Advanced Payment Model).
What is MIPS?
MIPS determines your reimbursement rates by the quality of care. Payment adjustments under MIPS are based on the MIPS Composite Score, which comprises of 4 key areas:
- Quality (Formerly Physician Quality Reporting System or PQRS)
- Advancing Care Information (Meaningful Use)
- Clinical Practice Improvement Activities
- Resource Use
If your score is above the threshold, you’ll receive a positive payment adjustment. But if you’re below, you’ll have a negative payment adjustment for the following year. Scores will be compared to both year-over-year improvements and other providers.
Benefits of Merit-Based Payments
High performers under MIPS receive a positive payment adjustment for up to 3x the adjustment factor, but physicians still have to report on quality measures to make sure standards are being upheld. Providers can maintain a higher score by simply improving patients’ outcomes through care coordination and ensuring patients have easy electronic access to their health information. Many are already using technology to increase patient engagement. By communicating with their patients in real-time, providers can better serve patients who have a higher risks of complication and readmission to the hospital. Through patient engagement and communications, providers receive credit for helping patients through personalized reminders to take their medicines, monitor their performance, and keeping them healthy throughout the continuum of care. Tying clinical practice improvement activities such as improving patient safety, population health, and long-term outcomes together, ultimately makes your practice much more efficient.
What is APM?
Aside from MIPS, the other payment track is an Advanced Payment Model or APM. Currently, patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and accountable care organizations (ACOs) use this model. CMS, however, anticipates that more individual providers will qualify for this option. APMs will provide a 5% lump sum bonus based on the prior year’s payment beginning in 2019 over a 6 year time period.
To be eligible for APM, participants must:
- Have serious quality measures comparable to MIPS
- Use EHR (Electronic Health Record) technology
- Bear “more than a nominal financial risk” similar to an ACO or PCMH
Physicians who choose an APM have an opportunity to earn more, but run the risk of paying Medicare back if they don’t meet savings goals. Understanding these risks and determining if they outweigh the potential benefits is a decision that providers will have to make individually or with their practice management team.
How to Choose the Best Payment Model
Which path do you take? You and your partners can weighout both payment models under the MACRA, but first, you’ll want to get the facts to make an informed decision.
Know yourself - Dig through the quality data. Are you a high performer? Find out why or why not. Know your current quality metrics and create a plan to improve.
Know your patient population - Do you know you take on patients that have multiple health problems or things you can’t control? That could be a factor in your reimbursement rates.
Under MIPS, there are over 90 activities you can choose from to demonstrate how you’re improving your clinical practice. These tactics can give you credit for helping patients overcome challenges like making sure they’re taking their medicine or adhering to a rehab program.
How Meaningful is Meaningful Use Technology
Another thing to consider is your meaningful use technology. Now, you’ll be measured on how well patients are making use of their electronic health information. Is it actually providing value? The intent is that providers and patients are actually sharing information and making prevention and high-quality care more accessible to patients.
Start Planning Now
The good news is that the current payment programs requiring reporting on quality metrics will be absorbed into the MACRA. Physician practices have until 2019 to choose their payment track, however, it’s never too early to understand your options and have a general idea of what makes the most sense for your practice. In the meantime, you should honestly evaluate your quality metrics and how you’re meeting meaningful use. Take the time to look for ways to improve and implement tactics that can help your patients now.
Sources:
NPRM - Quality Payment Program Fact Sheet
CMS Quality Reporting Programs
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Preview Module
Quality Payment Program - MIPS and APM
MIPS or APM: Which is better for your practice?
Moving toward improved care through information
MACRA Payment: APM vs MIPS