CMS Unveils New Value-Based Model For Rate Increases Under MACRA; Meaningful Use To Be Replaced

On May 9, 2016, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed rules for the quality measures needed for the new Medicare payment system introduced by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). The Medicare program will replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) methodology in the formula for fee-for-service (FFS) rate increases for physician services with in a new value-based model for rate increases.

In calendar years 2017 and 2018, only physicians, dentists, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists can participate. In calendar years 2019 and after . . .