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The CMS Proposed Rule for the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule and changes to the Quality Payment Program picks up where the “Pathways to Success” ACO rule left off. This time, the “Pathways” shake-up is aimed squarely at MIPS, in the form of “MIPS Value Pathways.” We’ve described the growing frustration with MIPS, specifically MedPAC’s report to Congress on its concerns that MIPS is overly burdensome and complex, and doesn’t translate into better care. That theme repeatedly shines through the 1,704 page proposal.
CMS is using this rule as an initial salvo indicating that MIPS as we know it is headed for reform, to be replaced by MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs). The four pillars of MIPS (Quality, Cost, Promoting Interoperability, and Improvement Activities) will continue to be measured, but requirements and methodologies will be new (and, in fact, are up for debate). The aim is to reduce clinician burnout by aligning the four components and reducing reporting burden.