Making Sense of MACRA

After a slew of feedback from healthcare and HIT professional organizations, like CHIME, AMA and MGMA, CMS announced new flexibilities in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) final rule. Though CMS released the final ruling several weeks ago, physicians still struggle to grasp the impact or even understand what the new reimbursement structure is.

MACRA replaces the old sustainable growth-rate formula for physician pay. Under MACRA, physicians can pick from one of two Medicare reimbursement tracks – the Merit-based Incentive Payment Program (MIPS) or Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs). To better aid physicians with these programs, CMS has set up additional resources:

1. With $700 million in funding, CMS created practice transformation networks as frontline assistance focusing on elevating clinicians' population health to enable physician success under MIPS and eventually transition them APMs.
2. With $100 million in funding, CMS specifically directed aid toward solo, small and rural health practices to get them up to speed and in the know about reporting requirements and means for success.

Beyond these initiatives, how can you become better informed? For a breakdown of MACRA regulations and questions to consider, check out our slide set Making Sense of MACRA.