The CMS late last week released an online tool for clinicians to identify which new Medicare payment models best suit them and their practices. The tool is an application program interface, or API, that will allow physicians and their practices to build software that enables sharing of quality measure data for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act.
“An important part of the quality payment program is to make it easier and less expensive to participate, so clinicians may focus on seeing patients,” said Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of the CMS. “This first release is a step in that process, both for physicians and the technologists who support them.”
The application has been used by “tens of thousands” of users so far, according to the CMS. In October, the agency released the quality payment program website that helps providers understand how to adhere to MACRA and find the best ways for them to participate.
Under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, which was mandated under MACRA, physician payments will be based on a compilation of quality measures and the use of electronic health records. Physicians could also meet MACRA requirements by participating in an alternative payment model like an accountable care organization.
