Overcoming MIPS Quality Measure Selection Hurdles
The Quality category is a significant component of MIPS participation, requiring data collection on at least six measures throughout the year. With an overwhelming number of measures available, selecting those that are clinically relevant, aligned with practice goals, and are feasible can be daunting. The complexity and breadth of options often result in uncertainty and frustration.
To navigate this challenge, it's crucial for providers to conduct a detailed assessment of the measures, considering their practice's unique characteristics and patient demographics. This assessment should focus on clinical relevance, feasibility of data collection, alignment with practice priorities, and potential for performance improvement. In 2024, with 198 measures to choose from—nearly 60 of which have undergone significant revisions—identifying six or more quality measures that enable maximum achievement is no small feat. We'll explore the challenges that contribute to this difficulty and provide strategies for developing an effective Quality strategy for 2024.
The Challenges
Limited Measure Availability: The selection of measures for claims, registries, and EHR reporting continues to narrow, leaving fewer options for a wide array of specialties.
Yearly Measure and Point Changes: Providers must consider how changes in measure performance could affect their MIPS score and reimbursements. Substantive changes to measures can disrupt benchmarks, potentially impacting overall performance.
EHR Constraints: Many EHR systems do not regularly update or add new measures, making it difficult to track and report Quality data efficiently. This stagnation necessitates looking towards registry partnerships for better support.
The Solution
Despite these hurdles, MIPS participation remains essential for avoiding penalties and identifying opportunities for quality improvement. If your EHR system offers limited measure options, consider exploring specialized or qualified registries. These platforms provide a broader selection of relevant measures, though it's important to evaluate their benchmarks and potential impact on your workflow.
In addition to specialty-specific measures, consider more generic options that address overall wellness or preventative care, such as:
Measure 226 (Tobacco Screening and Cessation Intervention): Offers up to 10 points in 2024 with reasonable performance, focusing on identifying tobacco users and supporting smoking cessation efforts.
Measure 130 (Documentation of Medications in the Medical Record): Emphasizes the thorough documentation of medication use, also allowing for up to 10 points in 2024 with reasonable performance.
Expert Support for Quality Success
For those seeking a tailored approach to MIPS Quality, Chirpy Bird is here to assist. We specialize in developing personalized Quality strategies, offering support through phone, Zoom, and email. Our goal is to provide each client with the expert guidance needed to excel in MIPS. Join the hundreds of practices we've helped navigate MIPS with success.
