Are Physicians Ready for MACRA/QPP?

KPMG and the American Medical Association conducted a survey of 1000 practicing physicians to better understand physician preparation and positioning for the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The focus of this survey was on physicians that have some knowledge of MACRA and are involved in the decision making of their practice. The goal was to determine the gaps in understanding the QPP and compile their views about the program and plans for participation.

A web-based tool named Payment Model Evaluator (PME) was designed to study the knowledge and readiness for MACRA. This tool included a self-assessment to help physicians and their staff understand the financial impact of the QPP on their practice. In addition, the tool provided education and practical resources to prepare for QPP.

Slightly more than half of physicians were somewhat knowledgeable and 8% deeply knowledgeable of MACRA or QPP. Most physicians surveyed (56%) expect to participate in MIPS in 2017 and report as a group. Among those with experience in other programs, such as Meaningful Use and Performance Quality Reporting System (PQRS), only 25% feel well prepared for QPP.

The challenges that providers have are not surprising to us; as we have observed them while conducting EHR Optimizations and Practice Assessments. The number one concern is the time required to accurately capture and report data. A comprehensive practice management tool, such as Beacon Reports, provides real time data reporting and dashboards to provide practice managers with quick alerts to data capture issues. In addition, it is a qualified registry and can take care of the often cumbersome reporting.

There is also a great need for education in physician practices. These include understanding MIPS reporting requirements, understanding the MIPS scoring process, the cost associated with capturing and reporting performance data and learning more about clinical practice transformation. We will be offering a series of live webinars on these topics in November of 2017.

If you are interested in planning for a more successful performing year in 2018 under the QPP, we can help and would love to hear from you.