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2020 MIPS cost category to be reweighted to zero

| May 31, 2021

2020 MIPS cost category to be reweighted to zero

Did you or your practice participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2020? If so, read on. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the 2020 performance year MIPS Cost category will be automatically reweighted to 0% of the final score due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will impact payment in 2022.

The Advocacy Council of ACAAI appreciates this decision by CMS. We have expressed concerns about the correct attribution of cost measures (including patients and associated cost episodes) to allergists/immunologists and advocated for a lower weight for the MIPS Cost category in 2021. The Advocacy Council also reviewed and submitted comments regarding the proposed Asthma/COPD Cost Measure. Our comments influenced the Measure Applications Partnership (MAP)’s decision to not recommend the Asthma/COPD Episode-Based Cost Measure for inclusion in MIPS.

rolled dollar bills in ascending stack

A summary of the original and revised 2020 MIPS category weights (assuming no other category reweighting) is as follows:

 

MIPS Categories Original 2020 MIPS category weights Revised 2020 MIPS category weights
Quality 45% 55%
Cost 15% 0%
Promoting Interoperability 25% 30%
Improvement activities 15% 15%

The Advocacy Council also supports CMS’ decision to release the 2018 and 2019 cost measure benchmark files. In April, the College joined the American Medical Association in a letter urging CMS to immediately release the MIPS cost benchmarks to increase transparency in how the agency evaluates physician performance in the Cost Performance Category and to allow physicians and other stakeholders to assess the measures for validity and opportunities to reduce spending.

For more information about the MIPS Cost category, read the 2020 Cost Quick Start Guide. If you plan to participate in MIPS in 2021, read the Advocacy Council’s summary on 2021 MIPS changes. The Advocacy Council will continue to monitor and review proposed changes to MIPS, and we’ll continue to advocate for what’s best for practicing allergists everywhere. The Advocacy Council – we have you covered.

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