AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2016 Bulletin 1
CMS MIPS/APM Proposed Rule
CMS MIPS/APM Proposed Rule In April 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule to implement the merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) and alternative payment models (APMs) established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). The American College of Radiology (ACR) reviewed the proposed rule and submitted comments during the 60-day comment period. For a radiology-specific summary of the rule, see the ACR web site ( www.acr.org ). Enacted in April 2015, MACRA repealed the flawed sustainable growth rate formula and implemented a new reimbursement system that rewards...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains the CMS proposed rule released in 2016 to implement MACRA’s new physician payment pathways, including MIPS and alternative payment models. It is relevant to radiology practices, coding and reimbursement professionals, and clinicians who need a high-level understanding of the policy transition, the CMS programs being consolidated, and the ACR’s response and resources.
Why This Topic Matters
The proposed rule marked a major shift in Medicare physician payment policy and affected how performance, participation, and reimbursement were expected to be measured. For radiology groups, understanding the structure of the new CMS framework and the ACR’s commentary helped with planning and compliance readiness.
Article Sections
-
CMS MIPS/APM Proposed Rule
Introduces the CMS proposed rule and the MACRA-related payment framework it was designed to implement. Mentions the radiology-specific perspective and the ACR’s review of the proposal.
-
MACRA and the New Reimbursement Framework
Summarizes the legislative background and the broader shift away from the prior Medicare payment approach. Describes the general timing of participation options under the new framework.
-
MIPS Overview
Describes the structure of the MIPS pathway and the CMS quality programs it consolidates. Explains that physician performance is combined into a composite measure used in the payment process.
-
APMs Overview
Covers the alternative payment model pathway and the general types of risk-based models referenced by the article. Notes the relationship between APM participation and MIPS exemption at a high level.
-
ACR Resources and Additional Information
Highlights the ACR’s response, blog reference, and links to additional resources. Points readers to where more information on the proposed rule and fact sheet could be found.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS framed the proposed MIPS and APM payment pathways
- What broader Medicare payment programs were being consolidated under the new approach
- Why the article is relevant to radiology practices and the ACR audience
- Where the article points readers for additional ACR commentary and resources
Who Should Read This
- Radiologists
- Radiology practice managers
- Medical coders and reimbursement staff
- Health policy and compliance professionals
- Physician payment and quality reporting stakeholders
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com