MIPS Reform
The HOD recommended for reaffirmation Resolution 220, the repeal of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and replacement with a practicing physician-designed program that has far less administrative burdens and only adopts measures that have been shown to measurably improve patient outcomes. Although the ACR agrees with the need for MIPS reform, it is working with the AMA and other specialties on long-term reform components for MIPS and the Quality Payment Program, which is a multi-year effort with Congress. The ACR has submitted to the CMS rheumatology-specific measures that have been approved for MIPS adoption.
Other Actions
The HOD adopted policies from the following ACR-supported resolutions:
- Resolution 218, which called for the U.S. Department of Labor to establish uniform, time-sensitive provider credentialing standards for third-party administrators serving ERISA plans;
- Resolution 808, which called for all payers to communicate covered alternatives to patients and providers when a medication is denied;
- Resolution 818, which called for the banning of retrospective payment denials or recoupments for precertified procedures; and
- Council on Medical Service Report 4, which called for the elimination of acquisition cost and reimbursement disparities for in-office biosimilar treatment across diverse treatment locations.
The HOD recommended the following ACR-supported resolutions and reports for either reaffirmation or referral for later decision or report back to the HOD:
- Board of Trustees Report 03, which supports initiatives to expand Stark law waivers to allow independent physicians, in addition to employed or affiliated physicians, to work with hospitals or health entities on quality improvement initiatives to address issues including care coordination and efficiency;
- Resolution 215, which called for federal and state incentives for recruitment and retention of physicians to practice in rural areas;
- Resolution 219, which called for permanent telehealth reimbursement from Medicare and all health insurance providers;
- Resolution 223, which called for mandated economic escalators in insurance contracts;
- Resolution 605, which called for the AMA to provide $1000 stipends directly to HOD attendees;
- Resolution 801, which called for reimbursement for managing patient portal messages;
- Resolution 802, which called for addressing physician burnout with inbox management resources and increased payment; and
- Resolution 809, which called for all payers to maintain minimum formulary requirements.
Resolutions are introduced and considered by the ACR based on its positions and policies and the work of ACR committees and the Board of Directors. The ACR’s delegation to the AMA House of Delegates consists of Gary Bryant, MD (delegate and delegation chair), Eileen Moynihan, MD (delegate), Cristina Arriens, MD (alternate delegate), Colin Edgerton, MD (alternate delegate), Luke Barre, MD (Young Physician Section representative) and Christina Downey, MD (Young Physician Section representative).
