MIPS 101: Understanding the Promoting Interoperability Category

Welcome back to our MIPS 101 series! Today, we're diving into the Promoting Interoperability category, a crucial component of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) that focuses on the use of technology to improve patient care.

What is Promoting Interoperability?

Promoting Interoperability (PI) is designed to encourage healthcare providers to use certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) in a way that improves healthcare quality and patient engagement. This category accounts for 25% of your total MIPS score.

Why is it Important?

In today's digital age, the seamless exchange of health information is vital. PI aims to ensure that providers are effectively using their EHR systems to not only store patient data but to use it in a way that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Scoring

The PI category is unique in that it is mostly scored based on a provider's performance on certain measures, rather than a comparison to peers. These measures focus on:

• E-Prescribing

• Health Information Exchange

• Provider to Patient Exchange

• Public Health and Clinical Data Exchange

How to Excel

1. Choose the Right Measures: Not all measures will be relevant to your practice. Choose those that align closely with your patient care goals.

2. Utilize Your EHR: Make sure your EHR is certified and that you are using its capabilities to the fullest extent.

3. Engage with Patients: Use technology to improve patient engagement through portals, timely access to health information, and telehealth services.

4. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check your performance metrics and make necessary adjustments to your strategies.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ignoring Security Risks: Ensure that your EHR system is secure to avoid any potential data breaches.

• Poor Patient Engagement: Failing to engage patients through your EHR can result in a lower score.

• Not Staying Updated: EHR systems and requirements can change. Stay updated to ensure you meet the necessary criteria.

Promoting Interoperability is not just about using an EHR but optimizing it to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. By focusing on this category, you can significantly impact your overall MIPS score and continue to provide high-quality, efficient care to your patients.

Ready to optimize your EHR for MIPS? Contact us for a free consultation and let's improve your MIPS score together.