Navigating the Final Stretch: Secure Over 75 MIPS Points and Optimize Your 2023 Incentives
As the curtain slowly descends on 2023, the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) presents both challenges and opportunities for eligible clinicians and practices. While the minimum score to meet the performance threshold in 2023 remains at 75 points, achieving this score necessitates sustained dedication and precision. Fall within the 0 to 74.9 range, and you're staring at a penalty; surpass 75, and you're set for an incentive. As we delve into strategies across various categories to enhance your score, remember that every effort AND POINT counts and is equated to mitigating a penalty, earning and incentive, and protecting your performance reputation.
1. Reigning Supreme: Quality Measures
Quality remains paramount in the MIPS landscape.
Consistent Monitoring: Adopt a bi-weekly review strategy for your quality measure performance. Vigilance is essential in addressing data gaps and course-correcting promptly.
Focus on Data Completeness: CMS's 70% data completeness standard remains non-negotiable. This demands comprehensive data collection at every patient touchpoint and every encounter.
2. Unlocking Success in Promoting Interoperability (PI)
The intricacies of PI demand strategic focus.
2023 MIPS SAFER Guides: A noteworthy addition this year, the MIPS SAFER guides are instrumental for high-priority practices. These guides provide a structured framework to address and rectify potential areas of concern in your EHR system, ensuring that your practice remains compliant and maximizes its PI score.
Beware of Scoreless Prerequisites: Don't overlook essentials, such as signing off on information blocking statements or completing your annual MIPS compliant Security Risk Assessment (SRA). These responsibilities rest firmly with the practice, not the EHR vendor.
Need an Assist with SRA?: Chirpy Bird is on standby to help expedite your SRA processes before year's end.
Report and Refine: Draw actionable insights from your PI reports. If discrepancies arise, delve deep into measure specifics and strategize on timely improvements.
3. The Power of Improvement Activities
Although they might demand only 90 days of performance data, their relevance is profound.
Group Reporting Nuances: If reporting as a group, ensure that a majority of your clinicians are on board and actively participating.
Documentation is King: Meticulous documentation shields against potential audits. Retain exhaustive evidence of the activity, participants, and detailed execution.
4. Sprinting Past the Finish Line
The end of December isn't the end of the road. Preparing for post-year data reporting is of utmost importance.
Be Audit-Ready: Preserve comprehensive documentation of all MIPS-related endeavors. This includes year-end Quality and PI reports, screenshots, process documentation, and even informal notes. Audits can reference submissions from the past six years, making this a long-term investment.
MIPS is more than a compliance protocol—its impact on your revenue and reputation can be a pleasant (or harsh) reality. As 2023 heads to its finale, leveraging the full potential of MIPS sets you up for immediate success and future growth. And remember, even as the year wanes, Chirpy Bird stands ready to assist. Partnering with one of our regulatory experts can provide the edge you need to ensure you finish the year on a high note.
