When it comes to MACRA’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), change seems to be the only constant. The requirements associated with the MIPS program have been in flux since MACRA launched in 2015. Despite the moving parts, specialty providers must remain focused on program compliance to receive incentive payments and avoid penalties. Unfortunately, with all the unknowns, it is often hard to feel confident that a practice is set up for success.
Here are three best practices to keep in mind as you navigate compliance.
Use an electronic medical record (EMR) that is certified for all MIPS measures.
A key first step in realizing MIPS success is leveraging the EMR to uncover areas in which the practice performs well. This exercise can serve as the basis for identifying the optimal measures to submit. Since different practices will favor different measures depending on their unique characteristics and performance, it is critical to verify that your EMR is capable of capturing and submitting the wide array of measures. It is also important to use a system that has received the latest EMR certification (2015) as this technology is up-to-date with current MIPS requirements, includes the most innovative features and fully complies with the legislation. By using a certified solution, providers can be confident that their information is appropriately communicated and that their quality and performance is accurately reflected over time.
Ensure the EMR includes the latest technology.
Not every EMR is designed to facilitate top MIPS performance. Practices should be looking for integrated technology that seamlessly connects clinical, financial and operational data. Effortless coding is an especially valuable functionality. This feature employs predictive charting to determine if a patient qualifies for specific MIPS measures in real-time. It then presents providers data fields related to those measures during the patient visit, allowing them to better capture relevant data and improve charting accuracy, which leads to stronger reporting. The technology helps providers proactively manage their MIPS reports, which is more efficient and effective than addressing issues after the fact.
Continually assess performance.
Although the right technology can play a substantial part in a practice’s MIPS success, the human element is also critical. Practices should have clinical and administrative champions driving the work. These individuals can regularly review performance reports, identify the best measures to submit, pinpoint areas of improvement and ensure providers stay committed to compliance. They can also partner with technology vendors to make sure that providers have all the necessary tools at their disposable to effectively meet MIPS requirements. In some cases, a vendor can serve as a guide to the MIPS process as it is more familiar with the nuances of the legislation. Not only can the vendor provide staff training, it can also brainstorm strategies to ensure attestation goes smoothly. A strong provider-vendor relationship can mean the difference between subpar reporting and a solid, financially-lucrative effort—especially as the nuances of MACRA and MIPS evolve. By leveraging an outside expert to stay abreast of changes and keep the practice up-to-date on compliance strategies, an organization can yield robust performance both initially and over time.
If you are interested in improving your practice’s MACRA/MIPS success, please contact a Nextech representative today at 1-800-868-3694.