MIPS 101: Improvement Activities Category Explained

MIPS 101: Improvement Activities Category Explained

Welcome back to our MIPS 101 series! Today, we're diving into one of the four performance categories of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS): the Improvement Activities category. This category is crucial for healthcare providers looking to maximize their MIPS score and, by extension, their Medicare reimbursements.

What Are Improvement Activities?

Improvement Activities are actions that healthcare providers can take to improve clinical practice or care delivery, which, when effectively executed, can improve outcomes, care coordination, and the overall patient experience. These activities are designed to be customizable to the specific needs and capabilities of each practice.

Why It Matters

Improvement Activities account for 15% of your total MIPS score. They are designed to show that your practice is committed to improving the quality of care, reducing costs, and enhancing the patient experience.

Types of Activities

There are over 100 different Improvement Activities to choose from, categorized into sub-categories like:

- Care Coordination

- Beneficiary Engagement

- Achieving Health Equity

- Emergency Preparedness and Response

Scoring

The scoring for Improvement Activities is quite straightforward. Activities are weighted as either "medium" or "high." A medium-weighted activity is worth 10 points, while a high-weighted activity is worth 20 points. To get full credit for this category, most providers will need to earn 40 points.

How to Report

You can report your Improvement Activities through several methods, including your EHR system, a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR), or directly via the CMS website.

Key Takeaways

- Choose activities that align with your practice's goals and capabilities.

- Document your activities thoroughly to ensure accurate reporting.

- Engage your entire team in the chosen activities for maximum impact.

Next Steps

Ready to take action? Visit our website to schedule a free discovery call and learn how Premier MIPS Consulting can help you navigate the Improvement Activities category and maximize your MIPS score.