CMS to Launch New MIPS Participation Framework in 2021 Performance Period

CMS is implementing a new participation framework for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), called the MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs), starting with the 2021 performance period. The goal of this new framework is to move away from siloed performance category measures and activities, and move toward an aligned set of measures and activities that are more meaningful to clinicians and patient care.

With the MVPs framework, CMS is aiming to connect measures and activities across the Quality, Cost, Promoting Interoperability, and Improvement Activities performance categories of MIPS for different specialties and conditions.

They believe this new framework will:

• Simplify MIPS and reduce clinician burden;
• Improve value and create a more cohesive and meaningful participation experience; and
• Better align with Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to help ease the transition from MIPS to APMs.

CMS states “We recognize that this is a significant shift in the way clinicians may potentially participate in MIPS, so we will not immediately eliminate the current MIPS framework. We intend to develop MVPs for 2021 and beyond in collaboration with stakeholders, and we will provide opportunities for dialogue and additional feedback.”

Source: https://qpp.cms.gov/mips/mips-value-pathways