CMS to launch MIPS final score preview

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new performance feedback process for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). MIPS clinicians will now be able to preview final 2021 MIPS scores in June prior to the publication of final MIPS scores and payment adjustments. During the preview period, clinicians will be able to review the data used to calculate their highest attributed final score and the data used to calculate the scores. The final score preview period will not include payment adjustment information.

With the introduction and review of MIPS scores, CMS hopes to address any potential scoring issues prior to calculating payment adjustments. More information about the MIPS performance, scoring, and payment adjustment can be found on the Quality Payment Program website.

Real-world examples needed on information blocking

MGMA is soliciting feedback from medical groups experiencing information blocking and encountering challenges when requesting patient health information from other actors such as electronic health record (EHR) vendors. Questions to consider: (1) What issues have you experienced when requesting patients’ electronic health information from an EHR vendor? (2) Any functions or features your EHR vendor does not provide to comply with information blocking regulations? (3) Does your practice release lab, diagnostic, or any medical information immediately to patients? If not, what’s the typical timeframe? (4) Any additional concerns or challenges while complying with information blocking regulations?

If you have examples, please email MGMA Associate Director of Government Affairs Swapna Pachauri at spachauri@mgma.org by Thursday, June 16. Any information you provide will be kept confidential and will be deidentified as MGMA continues to engage with the Department of Health and Human Services to advocate for more flexibility and clarity regarding the rules.

MGMA to Congress: Refine LDT legislation

MGMA and 70 leading health organizations wrote to Congress this week urging for more time to refine the VALID Act before passing it into law. The VALID Act, as written, contains language that would change the way laboratory developed tests (LDTs) are regulated.

MGMA is concerned that the legislation as drafted could potentially unduly restrict access to tests that medical groups deem necessary to care for patients.