MACRA APM News: Participating In A Qualified APM Could Exempt You From MIPS Participation

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand which Medicare payment arrangements may change reporting obligations and potential incentive eligibility under MACRA. It is especially relevant for organizations tracking CMS quality programs, alternative payment models, and reporting changes that can affect compliance and workflow.

Article Sections

1. Qualified APM participation and MIPS implications

   Introduces the relationship between qualified alternative payment model participation and the broader Medicare quality reporting framework. Discusses how the article frames participation status, reporting obligations, and incentive considerations.

2. Not all bundled payment models are considered APMs under MACRA

   Summarizes CMS’s approach to bundled payment model eligibility for APM treatment. References several example programs and explains the article’s focus on which model types are included in the discussion.

3. What is an Advanced APM under MACRA?

   Outlines the proposed criteria used to distinguish advanced alternative payment models. Focuses on the general policy requirements described in the article and how they relate to Medicare participation standards.

4. Track both percentage of payments and percentage of patients

   Covers the article’s discussion of participation thresholds tied to payments and patient counts over time. Presents the broad concept of how these thresholds are used in the proposed framework.

5. The 8P Modifier May be Less Available in 2017

   Reviews CMS’s stated direction toward performance-based reporting and the potential impact on modifier use. Also touches on the article’s discussion of quality measure changes and broader reporting shifts.