The American College of Cardiology (ACC) recently submitted comments to CMS regarding the final Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) rules that were released last fall.
ACC President Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC, addressed the Dec. 19 letter to acting CMS Administrator Andrew M. Slavitt, who leaves his post this week when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
Chazal wrote that the transition period for the Quality Payment Program (QPP) must extend beyond the 2017 performance/2019 payment years. He also suggested that CMS carefully tests the virtual groups reporting option under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and improves MIPS to make sure it is a seamless reporting program.
In addition, Chazal mentioned that CMS should update its list of Advanced Alternative Payment Models and continue to release additional guidance and education on QPP policies.
“The College recognizes the challenge that CMS has in effectively implementing the QPP in a way that promotes value-based care without disrupting the clinician’s primary role of treating Medicare beneficiaries,” Chazal wrote. “The continued refinement of the QPP will require ongoing dialogue between CMS and the clinicians, patients, vendors, and other stakeholders affected by this program. It is likely that unforeseen issues will arise as these policies are implemented. CMS must continue to keep an open and transparent line of communication beyond this final rule comment period. Should any issues arise that may result in unintentional consequences to clinicians, groups, or patients, CMS should communicate with stakeholders and act quickly to seek and implement resolutions.”
In June, Chazal sent a 35-page letter addressed to Slavitt with the ACC’s comments on the proposed MACRA legislation. At the time, Chazal asked CMS to simplify the QPP and work with clinicians and practice administrators to understand the reporting requirements.
Chazal also commented shortly after CMS released the final rule in October.
“This final rule demonstrates the complexity of moving to a value-based payment system under Medicare; however, we are encouraged to see that CMS has made several changes in the final rule based on comments by the clinician community,” Chazal said in a news release in October. “The college urges CMS to continue providing effective education and assistance to clinicians and their practices to ensure that this transition does not interfere with their ability to focus on their most important job: providing patient-centered care.”
Executive Editor
Tim Casey joined TriMed Media Group in 2015 as Executive Editor. For the previous four years, he worked as an editor and writer for HMP Communications, primarily focused on covering managed care issues and reporting from medical and health care conferences. He was also a staff reporter at the Sacramento Bee for more than four years covering professional, college and high school sports. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and his MBA degree from Georgetown University.