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CMS launches program for submitting 2017 performance data

The CMS recently launched a web-based program that eligible clinicians can use to provide 2017 performance data required under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, according to a press release.

“MACRA requires CMS to implement the Quality Payment Program, and we are committed to doing so in the least burdensome way possible,” Seema Verma, CMS administrator, said in the release. “The new data submission system makes it easier for clinicians to meet MACRA’s reporting requirements and spend more time treating patients instead of filing paperwork.”

CMS stated that previous systems required eligible clinicians to enter data on several websites, while the revised approach allows them to input all their information through a single portal. The new program is for clinicians in the Quality Payment Program — which CMS previously stated were those who are part of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System or are in advanced alternative payment models, and those who both provide care to more than 100 Medicare patients annually and bill Medicare more than $30,000 in eligible Part B charges annually.

According to a press release, eligible clinicians can provide data several ways: Qualified Clinical Data Registries, other qualified registries, attestation, or the CMS Web Interface. Clinicians can also use a Health IT Vendor, which extracts data from certified EHR technology. Once the clinician is logged in, either as an individual or as part of a medical group, he or she is connected to the Taxpayer Identification Number linked to his or her National Provider Identifier.

CMS stated the system enables “real-time initial scoring” within each Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance category as data is entered, but the scores will not initially take into account statuses that may apply to clinicians such as the user’s Alternative Payment Model status or Qualifying Alternative Payment Model status. Payment adjustments are determined by the clinician’s last submission or submission update.

Most participating clinicians have until March 31, 2018 to submit their 2017 performance data, according to the release. Those using the CMS web interface must submit information between Jan. 22, 2018, and March 16, 2018.

For more information: “Quality Payment Program.” https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Payment-Program/Resource-Library/QPP-2017-Data-Submission-Factsheet.pdf. Accessed Jan. 3, 2018.

Disclosure: Verma is CMS administrator.