Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Congressional Advisory Group Supports Changes In Medicare Doctor Payments
Modern Healthcare: MedPAC Votes 14-2 To Junk MIPS, Providers Angered
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission voted 14-2 to repeal and replace a Medicare payment system that aims to improve the quality of patient care. Providers immediately slammed the move. To avoid penalties under MACRA, physicians must follow one of two payment tracks: the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, or MIPS, or advanced alternative payment models like accountable care organizations. On Thursday, the Commission voted to asks Congress to eliminate MIPS and establish a new voluntary value program in which clinicians join a group and are compared to each other on the quality of care for patients. Physicians who perform well would receive an incentive payment. (Dickson, 1/11)
Medscape: MedPAC Backs Bids To Scrap MIPS Pay System Amid Dissent
MedPAC staff for months have argued that MIPS will burden doctors with complex data-reporting requirements, yet much of the reported information ultimately will be unlikely to improve the quality of patient care. "MIPS cannot succeed," the MedPAC staff said in the title of one of the slides presented before the Thursday vote. (Young, 1/11)
