The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) reformed the way physicians are paid under the Medicare program. The California Medical Association (CMA), American Medical Association (AMA) and nearly every other physician organization supported MACRA because it was intended to provide stable annual five percent payment updates, significantly reduce the quality and EHR reporting burdens, reinstate bonus payments, and allow innovative, physician-led alternative payment models.

MACRA repealed the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) payment system and replaced it with two new payment paths: the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began measuring performance for eligible clinicians in 2017, with payments based on those results beginning in 2019. Each year, CMS has significantly reduced the reporting burdens and now projects that 97 percent of physicians will avoid penalties in 2020 for the 2018 reporting year, and 73 percent will be exempt from MIPS altogether.

The Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG)is providing no-cost technical assistance to physician offices in California to prepare for and participate in the Quality Payment Program (QPP), established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). They are ready to help you navigate the new landscape, assess performance data and stay informed about the QPP. Contact HSAG now to register for services and receive no-cost technical assistance.

CMA members also have FREE access to the reimbursement helpline for assistance with MACRA or other reimbursement issues. Call (888) 401-5911 or email CMA Economic Services.