MIPS Value Pathways demystified in member exclusive resource

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced seven new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathways (MVPs) for optional reporting beginning in the 2023 performance year. Check out this MGMA member exclusive resource that details the key MVP policy proposals and the proposed reporting pathways included in the CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule. The goal of this new MIPS alternative is to provide clinicians with more meaningful reporting options through cohesive MVPs specific to physician specialties, patient populations, or clinical conditions. MIPS has caused many administrative challenges for MGMA members and has provided limited financial reward for high performance in the quality reporting program. MGMA will submit comments responding to these proposals and will provide an updated analysis highlighting key policies after the final rule is released in November.

MGMA to HHS: Extend Provider Relief Fund reporting deadline

In a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, MGMA urged HHS to extend the upcoming Sept. 30 reporting deadline for the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). Per current HHS guidance, recipients of more than $10,000 in the aggregate in PRF payments received between April 10 and June 30, 2020, are required to report their use of funds through the PRF Reporting Portal by Sept. 30, 2021. However, due to the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases across the country coupled with the complex and arduous reporting requirements of the program, MGMA has heard concerns from many practices struggling to complete reporting by the deadline. In addition to requesting an extension of the reporting deadline through 2023, MGMA urged HHS to clarify its existing reporting guidance to address outstanding confusion around acceptable uses of funds and to allow PRF recipients to use payments through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

MGMA to OSHA: Exempt medical groups from new COVID-19 requirements

MGMA submitted written comments in response to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS). The ETS places requirements, which are already in effect, on medical groups that are unable or choose not to avail themselves to relevant exemptions. In its comments, MGMA expressed concerns regarding the burdens associated with compliance and recommended that OSHA not make the ETS permanent. As MGMA continues to advocate on this issue, please send any examples of how compliance would be burdensome and/or difficult to MGMA Government Affairs.