The 2015 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) set annual baseline payment updates for clinicians and established the QPP. The first performance year began on January 1, 2017. Performance affects payment two years later, so 2019 was the first year clinicians began to see payment adjustments. CMS will continue to evolve the QPP through annual updates in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) regulations.
For staff new to QPP, there is a steep learning curve. Getting up to speed on the program’s history, current requirements, and challenges is difficult. Without a firm background and understanding of the program, staff responsible for QPP could miss out on financial incentives and bear hefty penalties. We note that each year, CMS evolves QPP program requirements with additional rulemaking subsequent to the publication of this resource.