CMS' recently released proposed rule implements certain provisions of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, according to an AGA report.
Here are four ways in which the proposed rule affects GI physicians and practices:
1. CMS is rolling out Merit-based Incentive Payment System and incentivizing the increased use of alternative payment models. CMS will begin measuring performance for clinicians through MIPS and APMs in 2017, which will impact pay in 2019.
2. CMS expects that 1,849 gastroenterologists will be excluded from MIPS, due to various reasons, including their participation in alternative payment models.
3. CMS projects the majority of 61.5 percent of gastroenterologists who participate in MIPS will receive a bonus; however, this may be partially offset by negative payment adjustments for 38.3 percent of GI physicians.
4. CMS data shows the likelihood of receiving an upward performance adjustment increases as the practice size increases.