Maximizing Success: A Guide to PI Measures in MIPS 2023 – Selection and Submission Strategies

MIPS 2023: Introduction of Promoting Interoperability Performance Category

Overview of MIPS 2023 Changes

MIPS 2023 has introduced Promoting Interoperability as one of its key performance categories. As with other categories, clinicians are required by CMS to select measures relevant to this category. This category contributes 25% to the MIPS final score for this year, maintaining the same percentage as in Performance Year 2022. CMS does not prioritize one category over another, emphasizing that each category holds importance in the MIPS reporting framework. Participants must perform well across all categories to achieve the best possible score in MIPS 2023.

Focus on Promoting Interoperability

P3Care highlights the significance of the Promoting Interoperability performance category. We will explore how to select EHR measures and the appropriate submission methods for MIPS 2023.

Understanding the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Category

Importance of Patient Data

Accurate patient demographics and healthcare data are essential for any medical practice. Past incidents have highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches. Consequently, the American government mandates HIPAA compliance for all healthcare facilities. Healthcare IT has been pivotal in addressing these issues by providing Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology that enables secure management and sharing of healthcare data through cloud-based solutions.

CMS Commitment to Quality Care

CMS is dedicated to eliminating barriers that impede the delivery of high-quality care. This commitment is reflected in its support for certified EHR technology (CEHRT). In MIPS 2023, Promoting Interoperability remains a performance category, featuring several measures that evaluate the meaningful use of CEHRT in healthcare.

Goals of the PI Category

The PI category encompasses several objectives within the MIPS reporting framework, including:
– Interoperability count
– Safe data exchange
– Promotion of patient engagement
– Coordination of care

CMS aims to achieve these goals through MIPS 2023 reporting. Participants have the flexibility to select measures that best suit their practice, which aids in the effective implementation of CEHRT.

Benefits of CEHRT in MIPS 2023

Key Advantages of CEHRT

Despite being a relatively new technological solution, CEHRT has gained widespread acceptance among healthcare providers. Approximately 500,000 providers have successfully integrated CEHRT into their practices. The primary benefits of CEHRT include:
– Organized and structured patient data capture
– Facilitation of healthcare data exchange across various settings
– Empowering patient access to their health information
– Enhancing patient engagement through advanced technology

Goals for EHR Performance Measurement

For MIPS 2023, CMS has established meaningful objectives for EHR performance measurement, transitioning from a holistic approach to modern metrics reflecting EHR use in clinical settings.

Selecting EHR Measures for the PI Category

Criteria for EHR Measures

CMS has introduced an extensive range of EHR measures for the PI category. These measures aim to:
– Ensure convenient access to healthcare data
– Promote better health outcomes for beneficiaries
– Align with the Improvement Activities and Quality performance categories of MIPS
– Alleviate reporting challenges for participants

CMS has established criteria for the advanced use of CEHRT, urging MIPS 2023 providers to adhere to the 2015 Edition Cures Update Criteria. Selected measures must be distinct from previous PI measures and activities, feasible, and approved by CMS. Additionally, submissions should focus on performance-based measures rather than attestation-based ones.

Planned Criteria for PI Measures

The planned criteria for PI category measures include:
– Consolidation of CEHRT usage at advanced stages, complying with the 2015 Edition Cures Update Criteria
– Encouragement of health information exchange
– Providing patients access to their health information
– Reducing clinician and administrative burdens
– Aligning with MIPS improvement activities and quality performance categories
– Integrating with the Promoting Interoperability Program for qualifying hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs)

EHR Measures Submission Process in MIPS 2023

Submission Protocols

CMS has outlined the EHR measure selection protocols for MIPS 2023. Participants will be able to submit their chosen measures starting from February 1, 2023, with a final submission deadline of July 1, 2023.

To submit measures for consideration, participants must use the Promoting Interoperability Request for Measures form, which requires:
– Measure description
– Numerator and denominator descriptions
– Relevant measure exclusions

CMS will review the applicability and viability of the proposed measures.

Conclusion

In summary, the Promoting Interoperability performance category is a vital aspect of MIPS 2023. New healthcare practitioners may encounter challenges in navigating MIPS policies. P3Care offers consulting services to assist with these complexities. For any inquiries regarding the information presented in this blog, please leave a comment below.