CMS Releases MACRA Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issueda final rule regarding implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). MACRA sets forth several major changes in Medicare payments, importantly, ending the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) system requiring annual temporary fixes to prevent major reductions in health care provider reimbursement.
MACRA introduced a new Quality Payment Program (QPP) under which physician payments are linked to quality measures through two pathways– Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs). MIPS replaces existing CMS quality programs (PQRS, VM and Medicare EHR Incentive program/Meaningful Use) with four new components– quality, clinical practice improvement activities (CPIA), advancing care information and resource use.
An initial proposed rule regarding the implementation of MACRA was introduced on April 27, 2016 to which the American College of Radiology (ACR) responded with extensive commentary regarding provisions affecting radiologists. In the final rule, several key elements of MACRA pertaining specifically to radiologists are addressed. The ACR is reviewing the final rule and will provide a radiology-specific summary of the rule in the coming days. The College will also submit comments during the 60-day comment period.
Below are links to the CMS MACRA MIPS/APM fact sheet and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release ...

Source: American College of Radiology - October 14, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: news