Don't Go It Alone: Avoid Common MIPS Pitfalls with Expert Help

For the healthcare professionals who know the inner workings of MIPS (Merit-Based Incentive Payment System), you're no stranger to the rigors and complexities of the system. The program, established under CMS's Quality Payment Program, measures performance across four pivotal areas: quality, improvement activities, Promoting Interoperability, and cost. Though this may sound straightforward, navigating MIPS can be a winding, convoluted road full of potential missteps that could result in costly penalties.

At Chirpy Bird, we've seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Drawing from our extensive experience as expert MIPS consultants, we'd like to shed light on some common pitfalls we've seen practices tumble into when they try to DIY the MIPS program.

Common MIPS Pitfalls

Many of the mistakes we see practices make stem from a lack of understanding or underestimation of the process:

1. Choosing Inappropriate Systems and Measures: Opting for measures that don't allow for maximum points right from the get-go can impede your chances of earning an incentive. Sticking just with your EHR means you are beholden to a limited measure set that may not allow you to maximize points. (If you read our blog about “The Secret Recipe” for MIPS, you know that the right systems and measures have the ability to dictate and predict how you will fare in this critical category.)

2. Procrastinating on the Quality Category: Starting this year-round performance period late reduces your chances of collecting enough data to meet CMS's data completeness thresholds.

3. Not Monitoring ALL Reports Biweekly: Achieving good performance requires not only a strong strategy but also consistent monitoring and management.

4. Postponing Promoting Interoperability: Waiting until year's end to tackle these measures, especially when most people take holidays, is usually a recipe for disaster.

5. Disregarding the Promoting Interoperability Category: Since this category is reweighted for small practices most think it’s a blessing to avoid it. The reality is, tracking and reporting could be the difference between a penalty and incentive.

6. Neglecting the Promoting Interoperability Security Risk Assessment: Many practices assume their EHR vendor will handle this, overlooking the need for comprehensive assessment of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

7. Overlooking Staff Training: Practices perform poorly when the staff is not adequately informed about what data is being tracked, how to capture it, and for how long.

8. Lack of Proper Documentation: Many practices fail to document all MIPS reports and activities in compliance with QPP policy, which can have serious consequences in case of an audit.

MIPS is not a program that can be understood and executed correctly overnight. It requires a profound understanding of the healthcare industry, meticulous attention to detail, and constant vigilance—a level of dedication that can be taxing for already overworked physicians and practice managers. For even more common pitfalls be sure to follow us on LinkedIn where we are sharing more tips and tricks you won't want to miss. 

The Chirpy Bird Difference

This is where Chirpy Bird steps in. We have a team of regulatory and EHR experts dedicated to helping you navigate MIPS with ease. Our unique offering includes:

1. Comprehensive Monitoring and Strategy Development: We ensure that your Quality and Promoting Interoperability data is consistently monitored and work with you to develop a strategy to maximize points.

2. Robust Security Risk Analysis and MORE: We conduct an in-depth security risk analysis and provide guidance on your SAFER guides.

3. Transparent Pricing: Our pay-as-you-go service comes with straightforward pricing and flexible cancellation terms.

4. Dedicated Consultant: Your practice is matched with a regulatory informaticist who knows your speciality and systems. They act like a team member of the practice without limitations on how you connect and communicate with them providing real answers instead of citing what the QPP website has to say

5. Unmatched Expertise: With experience in multiple EMR systems, specialties, and registries, our knowledgeable team brings a wealth of expertise to your practice.

Over the past five years, we've helped more than 91% of our customers become exceptional performers in MIPS, earning incentives and avoiding costly reimbursement cuts. As one client put it, "Chirpy Bird is like an extension of our practice. They are constantly looking out for us, saving us time, and reducing the stress of navigating MIPS."

Take the Next Step

Don't let MIPS become a thorn in your side. With Chirpy Bird's expert assistance, MIPS can be less of a headache and more of a vehicle towards improved patient care and increased revenue. Contact us at 888-647-7247 or hello@chirpybirdinc.com to ask a MIPS question or sign up for our monthly service. Let us guide you through the intricate landscape of MIPS, so you can focus on what you do best—providing exceptional patient care.

hello@chirpybirdinc.com Phone: 888-647-7247