With the publication of the final MACRA Quality Payment Program (QPP) rule, CMS showed that it listened to the 4000+ comments it received to provide flexibility to make the transition as smooth as possible. In the final rule, CMS provides options for Eligible Clinicians (ECs) participating in the MACRA QPP in 2017 that are designed to support where ECs are in adopting Health Information Technology (HIT), and to prepare for the future of physician payment reform. CMS called this “Pick Your Pace”. The options can be summarized as follows:
We believe CMS did a good job of recognizing the need to create a smoother transition to MACRA QPP by the options they outline in the final rule. The flexibility for ECs to define their path in MACRA QPP should give them more time to transition and plan their course of action. In my earlier blog post on the proposed rule, I said “keep your head and stay focused.” I reiterate that message now that the final rule is published. ECs should evaluate their existing investments in certified EHR technology (CEHRT) and the capabilities of their practice to meet MACRA QPP requirements over time. This will allow ECs to select improvement activities that make sense for them, emphasize what they do well when selecting quality measures to report to CMS, and decide where they want to focus on improving. ECs should feel confident they can build a plan that works for them and their practice. The transition can be a positive one!
More information on Cerner’s plans for support of clients to participate in MACRA can be found here.
