QPP Year 3 has few changes, goes easy on small practices, EHR

Why This Topic Matters

The article summarizes Medicare payment-program changes that can affect performance scoring, reporting obligations, technology requirements, and eligibility across a wide range of practices and specialties. Understanding these updates helps organizations assess administrative impact and prepare for the 2019 performance period.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the final 2019 QPP rule

   Introduces the final rule and places it in the context of the program’s third year. Summarizes the general direction of the changes and who is affected.

2. Scoring thresholds and small business breaks

   Covers overall MIPS scoring changes and the special treatment given to smaller practices. Describes broad program adjustments related to participation and scoring.

3. Opt in, opt out

   Explains the updated exclusion and election options for certain small practices. Covers the general process for choosing participation status through the program portal.

4. Category requirements

   Reviews updates to the Quality, Promoting Interoperability, Improvement Activities, and Cost categories. Summarizes how reporting structure and category weights are changing for 2019.

5. Other QPP final steps

   Covers additional final-rule updates beyond the core MIPS categories. Includes changes affecting eligible provider types, registry requirements, and Advanced APM participation.