
New MIPS Improvement Activity Supports Remote Patient Monitoring
Despite growth in the market, CMS has been slow to recognize the value that telehealth can bring to clinical encounters by encouraging utilization of telehealth technology through reimbursement models. However, now CMS has taken steps to encourage practices to leverage telehealth and remote monitoring activities through changes to the Quality Payment Program.
The article was co-written by Caroline Meade, MPH candidate.
Telehealth is a growing market with a
When the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) was released in 2015, the telehealth community was disappointed by the lack of support for telehealth in the bill’s language (
The IA encompasses remote patient monitoring, including the review and interpretation of real-time patient-generated health data within a platform that provides feedback to the clinician and patient in a closed loop. This IA can qualify practices for a 10% bonus on their Advancing Care Information (ACI) score. Because it is weighted “High” and is eligible for the ACI bonus, small practices that execute this IA can meet their MIPS threshold and larger practices can get nearly half of the MIPS points they need. The new IA is an incentive for providers considering bringing patient-generated health data into their practices and is one of CMS’s first recognitions that connected health technology is important in providing quality, comprehensive care.
According to representatives from ACT—The App Association's
The IA is also technology agnostic, allowing practices to choose which platform or what type of devices it would like to integrate into its care workflows based on what physicians are comfortable with. The following are hypothetical examples of the kinds of options that could be available to practices and align with this IA:
- Integrate Fitbit data to help track and encourage patient physical activity
- Use real-time data from blood glucose monitors to notify clinicians of patient blood sugar emergencies
- Use a comprehensive population management platform that collects, monitors and curates patient-generated data, and facilitates the feedback loop
While the new IA is a symbolic step in the right direction, its impact on the uptake of telemedicine capabilities is likely limited due to the 90-plus other IAs practices can choose from and a general lack of knowledge of its existence. In addition, expressed
With that said, CMS took another important step in the
For now, investments in telehealth must be made by those who believe in its ability to help providers manage population health and improve outcomes, and with faith that CMS will continue taking steps to support practices in using connected health technology.
Newsletter
Stay ahead of policy, cost, and value—subscribe to AJMC for expert insights at the intersection of clinical care and health economics.