MACRA Madness: Avoiding a Bad Outcome

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding the basic structure of MACRA and the Quality Payment Program is important for practices that need to plan ahead for Medicare reimbursement changes and program participation decisions.

Article Sections

1. Round one

   Introduces the first decision point in the Quality Payment Program and distinguishes among participation pathways. The section focuses on the broad framework used to assess where a clinician or practice fits.

2. Round 2

   Reviews the main options available for practices that are not participating through an APM. The section discusses general categories of MIPS participation and the related implications for future performance and payment.

3. Round 3

   Provides a forward-looking view of the early years of the program and emphasizes preparation for later program demands. It also places the 2017 experience in the context of future planning.

4. Cutting down the nets

   Concludes with a broad summary of the program’s significance and a call for awareness among colleagues. The section reflects on how widely the changes may affect the specialty.