When it comes to MIPS, selecting the right quality reporting method is crucial to maximizing your score and streamlining data submission. For small to medium-sized practices, understanding each reporting option—Qualified Registry, Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQM), and Part B Claims—can help make the process more efficient and less burdensome. In this guide, we’ll break down each option, outlining its unique benefits and challenges, so you can choose the best fit for your practice.
Why the Right Quality Reporting Option Matters
The Quality category is a significant part of your MIPS score, accounting for 30% of the total. Selecting the right reporting method affects not only your score but also the ease of data submission. Here’s an in-depth look at the available options, so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your practice’s needs and resources.
Option 1: Qualified Registry
What It Is
A Qualified Registry is a CMS-approved third-party organization that collects MIPS data on behalf of providers. Registries are specifically designed to simplify MIPS reporting, and many offer guidance on measure selection, tracking, and submission.
Key Considerations
Broad Measure Selection: Qualified Registries often provide a wide range of quality measures, including both general and specialty-specific options, allowing you to select those most relevant to your practice.
Data Tracking and Aggregation: Many registries offer data-tracking tools, enabling you to monitor performance throughout the year and make necessary adjustments before final submission.
Assistance with Compliance: Registries can help ensure that your data submission meets CMS requirements, minimizing the risk of errors that could impact your score.
Advantages of Using a Qualified Registry
Comprehensive Measure Choices: Registries allow access to a larger pool of measures than other reporting methods, making it easier to find measures that align with your strengths.
Ongoing Performance Monitoring: Registries often provide insights into your performance throughout the year, giving you time to improve before final submission.
Reduced Administrative Burden: Working with a registry can simplify data collection and submission, reducing the time and effort required.
Challenges of Using a Qualified Registry
Cost: Registries typically charge fees for their services, which may be a consideration for smaller practices.
Reliance on Third-Party Systems: You’re dependent on the registry’s data accuracy and timely submission, so choosing a reliable provider is essential.
Option 2: Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQM)
What It Is
eCQMs are quality measures that are extracted directly from your Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This option allows practices to submit MIPS data automatically through their EHR, provided it’s certified for eCQM reporting.
Key Considerations
Automated Data Collection: eCQMs streamline data reporting by extracting information directly from your EHR, reducing manual entry and potential for errors.
Measure Availability Based on EHR: The eCQM measures you can report on are determined by your EHR’s capabilities, so it’s essential to ensure your system supports the measures most relevant to your practice.
Certified EHR Requirement: To report eCQMs, your EHR must meet CMS certification standards. Make sure your EHR is certified before choosing this method.
Advantages of Using eCQM Reporting
Automatic Data Capture: eCQMs reduce administrative burden by pulling data directly from the EHR, minimizing manual data entry.
Real-Time Tracking: Many EHR systems offer dashboards to track your MIPS performance, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.
Data Consistency and Accuracy: Since data is collected directly from patient records, eCQMs can help ensure more accurate reporting.
Challenges of Using eCQM Reporting
EHR Compatibility: Not all EHRs support eCQM reporting or include the specific measures you may need, so compatibility is crucial.
Implementation and Maintenance: Configuring your EHR for eCQM reporting can require time and technical expertise, particularly for smaller practices with limited IT resources.
Certification Requirements: Only practices with a certified EHR can use eCQM reporting, limiting options for those without EHR systems that meet CMS standards.
Option 3: Part B Claims-Based Reporting
What It Is
Claims-based reporting allows eligible providers to report MIPS quality data directly on Medicare Part B claims. This method is typically available only to small practices with 15 or fewer clinicians and involves submitting quality codes along with each claim.
Key Considerations
Claims-Based Accessibility: This method is ideal for small practices that don’t have access to registries or EHR systems capable of eCQM reporting.
Measure Selection Limitations: Part B claims-based reporting offers a more limited selection of measures compared to registries and eCQMs, which may restrict your ability to choose measures aligned with your specialty.
Real-Time Coding: Claims-based reporting requires accurate coding on every claim, as the quality codes are submitted simultaneously with the billing information.
Advantages of Claims-Based Reporting
Cost-Effective: Claims-based reporting is often the most affordable method since there’s no need to purchase additional services or technology.
Minimal Infrastructure Requirements: You don’t need an EHR or registry; all data is submitted directly with Medicare claims.
Accessible for Small Practices: This method is tailored to smaller practices, offering an entry point for those who may not have EHR systems.
Challenges of Claims-Based Reporting
Limited Measure Options: The range of measures available for claims-based reporting is narrower, which may limit flexibility in selecting measures suited to your practice.
Coding Burden: Claims-based reporting requires correct quality codes on each Medicare Part B claim, increasing the potential for coding errors.
Performance Tracking: Unlike registries and eCQMs, claims-based reporting doesn’t provide year-round tracking, making it harder to monitor and improve performance proactively.
Choosing the Best Quality Reporting Option for Your Practice
Selecting the right reporting option for your practice depends on several factors, including resources, practice size, and technological capabilities. Here’s a summary to help you decide:
Reporting Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
Qualified Registry | Practices seeking comprehensive measure choices and support | Wide measure selection, performance tracking | Service fees, reliance on third-party |
eCQM Reporting | Practices with a certified EHR, interested in automated reporting | Automated data capture, real-time tracking | Requires certified EHR, limited to EHR’s measures |
Claims-Based Reporting | Small practices with limited resources and no EHR | Cost-effective, no special technology needed | Limited measures, requires precise coding on every claim |
Tips for Successful Quality Reporting in MIPS
Evaluate Your EHR and Resources: If you have a certified EHR, eCQM reporting may streamline your process. If not, a registry might offer more flexibility with measure selection.
Match Measures to Your Practice Strengths: Each reporting method offers different measure sets, so choose an option that allows you to focus on measures that reflect your expertise.
Track Your Progress: Registries and EHRs often provide year-round tracking tools. Use these to monitor your performance and make adjustments as needed.
Ensure Accurate Coding: For claims-based reporting, accurate coding on every claim is essential. A coding error can lead to missed reporting opportunities and a lower MIPS score.
Each MIPS quality reporting option has unique advantages and potential challenges, so the best choice will depend on your practice’s specific needs and resources. Whether you’re leveraging the comprehensive support of a registry, utilizing eCQM reporting through your EHR, or handling quality codes via claims, choosing the right path can simplify the MIPS process and help you achieve a high-quality score.
Take the Next Step with Premier MIPS Consulting
Navigating MIPS quality reporting doesn’t have to be complicated. Premier MIPS Consulting specializes in helping independent providers like you make informed choices about reporting options, measure selection, and data submission. We’ll guide you through every step, from setup to ongoing tracking, so you can focus on delivering outstanding patient care while maximizing your MIPS score.
Let us help you find the ideal reporting solution and make MIPS reporting as easy and efficient as possible. Contact Premier MIPS Consulting (803-205-2544) today to learn more about how we can help you succeed with MIPS quality reporting.
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