Key Deadlines for QPP MIPS 2021

Understanding the Importance of MIPS Deadlines

Qualified clinicians interested in the Quality Payment Program – Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (QPP MIPS) must pay close attention to critical deadlines. Whether your goal is to target MIPS incentives or to avoid penalties, knowing the relevant dates is essential for navigating the MIPS journey in 2021. P3Care, a MIPS Qualified Registry for five years, is here to assist users not only with reporting services but also by providing timely updates. This article outlines all pertinent information regarding the QPP MIPS 2021 data performance and submission periods.

Important Dates for MIPS 2021

October 1, 2020

This date marked the commencement of the virtual group election period for MIPS 2021.

December 2020

In December, the Final Rule for QPP MIPS 2021 was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This was also the time when MIPS eligible clinicians could verify their initial eligibility status.

December 31, 2020

This date signaled the conclusion of the virtual group election period for MIPS 2021.

January 1, 2021

The QPP MIPS 2021 performance period officially commenced on this date.

April 1, 2021

On this date, registration for the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) MIPS Survey officially began. Groups, virtual groups, and Alternative Payment Model (APM) entities wishing to participate via the CMS Web Interface could register starting this date. They also had the option to administer the CAHPS MIPS survey.

May – Spring/Summer 2021

This period marked the application window for the MIPS participation exception. CMS began accepting applications for two categories:
– MIPS eligible clinicians seeking to apply for uncontrollable and extreme conditions affecting any or all MIPS performance categories.
– Hardship exception for Promoting Interoperability (PI).

June 30, 2021

This date was the deadline for the registration period for the CAHPS MIPS Survey and CMS Web Interface.

July 2021 – October 2021

During this timeframe, CMS posted Qualifying Participant (QP) determinations, along with important QPP MIPS 2021 and APM information on their official website.

October 3, 2021

If you had not yet begun work on Promoting Interoperability (PI) and Improvement Activities (IA), this date served as a reminder to start preparing for MIPS reporting 2021.

December 2021

By this month, CMS finalized MIPS eligibility for clinicians participating in the performance year 2021.

December 31, 2021

This date marked the official end of the QPP MIPS 2021 performance year and also served as a reminder for the conclusion of hardship exception applications.

January 3, 2022

Clinicians could officially begin MIPS reporting 2021 to CMS starting on this date.

March 31, 2022

The window for MIPS data submission 2021 closed on this date.

July 2022

By this month, CMS provided performance feedback for each eligible clinician. Additionally, a targeted review window opened as payment adjustment information became available.

August/September 2022

The window for targeted review closed around this date, approximately 60 days after the release of payment adjustment information.

January 1, 2023

Clinicians could start receiving payment adjustments for QPP MIPS 2021 based on their performance starting on this date.