Comparing MIPS Quality Measures: Key Differences Between 2019 and 2020 Explored by Registry

Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Overview for 2020

Introduction to MIPS

As we enter 2020, the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) continues to evolve, focusing on the Quality, Promoting Interoperability (PI), Improvement Activities (IAs), and Cost categories. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between MIPS quality measures in 2019 and 2020, highlighting new requirements and the advantages of using P3 Healthcare Solutions for reporting registry-specific measures.

The Essence of MIPS

MIPS is not just about the passage of time; it emphasizes the delivery of value-based care. Each year, MIPS-eligible clinicians are required to adopt specific measures and activities to report to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As long as clinicians adhere to the correct submission pathways, 2020 presents no new challenges in terms of compliance.

MIPS Quality Measures Comparison: 2019 vs. 2020

Similarities in Quality Measures

There are significant similarities between the MIPS quality measures in 2019 and 2020. Both years require participants to submit six quality measures covering a full twelve-month period, specifically from January 1 to December 31. The data submission is contingent on the type of measure collected.

Collection Types for Quality Measures

CMS has finalized six collection types applicable to both 2019 and 2020 MIPS Quality measures:
– Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs)
– MIPS Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs)
– Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) measures
– CMS web interface
– Medicare Part B claims measures
– CAHPS for MIPS survey

Participants are required to submit a total of six quality measures from these categories.

General Reporting Requirements

In 2019, the data completeness threshold was set at 60%, meaning clinicians needed to report performance data for 60% of eligible patients for a chosen measure. For MIPS 2020, this requirement has increased to 70%. This change signifies CMS’s goal of including a broader patient population in value-based care.

MIPS Submission Types and Requirements

Submission Methods

There are four primary methods for submitting quality measures under MIPS:
– Medicare Part B claims
– Sign in and upload (with the option for a MIPS consulting service to report on behalf of the clinician)
– CMS web interface
– API submission, which allows for direct data submission

Six Quality Measures for 2020

The requirement for submitting six quality measures remains unchanged in 2020. This includes one outcome measure; if an outcome measure is unavailable, clinicians must select a high-priority measure instead. Practices, groups, and virtual groups with 16 or more clinicians will automatically have a seventh measure calculated: the All-Cause Hospital Readmission Measure.

Bonus Points for Quality Measures

While CMS mandates improved quality, it also encourages clinicians to aim for incentives and bonuses. MIPS incentives can be achieved through the assistance of a Qualified Registry like P3 Healthcare Solutions.

Eligibility for Bonus Points

To qualify for bonus points, clinicians must:
– Submit two or more separate outcomes or high-priority measures (excluding those already counted).
– Note that measures reported through the CMS web interface do not qualify for bonuses, but reporting CAHPS for MIPS alongside the CMS web interface can provide bonus opportunities.
– Small practices that submit at least one quality measure can earn six additional points.
– Practices showing improvement in Quality reporting from the previous year can receive an additional ten points.

Conclusion

Staying informed about current and future MIPS reporting requirements is essential for compliance. With our expertise in MIPS data submissions, particularly for 2020, we are here to support your needs. The deadline for submitting MIPS 2020 data is March 31, 2021. For assistance, please contact us at 1-844-557-3227 or via email at [email protected].

For further information, please read more about MIPS 2020 measures in our article: MIPS Quality Measures 2020 and Specifications for MDs and DOs. Have you started planning your MIPS 2021 reporting yet?