Survey: Physicians are not ready for Quality Payment Program

A recent survey of 1,000 physicians discovered that most respondents aren’t ready for the Quality Payment Program (QPP).

The survey, conducted by the American Medical Association and KPMG, indicates that respondents give mixed views on their comfort level with the program, the proposed rules of which were recently issued for review by the industry.

Physicians this year are measuring and reporting certain quality measures while also indicating proficient use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the MIPS program that is part of MACRA. Physicians can acquire extra points and thus receive higher reimbursement rates beginning in the year of 2019.

Instead of entering the MIPS program, physicians can be part of an Advanced Alternative Payment Model, which will need them to take on risk and receive a 5 percent bonus for meeting certain thresholds that reward doctors for delivering high-quality and cost-efficient care.

In the AMA survey, 70% of respondents report they have started preparations to meet QPP requirements, and about 90% of those believe they will meet the 2017 reporting requirements.

Although, the survey discovered that just 51% were somewhat knowledgeable about MACRA and the Quality Payment Program, and only 8 percent reported that they were very knowledgeable about QPP.

Prior reporting experience through the PQRS and EHR meaningful use programs appears to have contributed to readiness for QPP, survey results demonstrated. However, only one in four physicians say they are well-prepared for QPP.

“Although, even those who feel prepared do not completely understand the financial ramifications of the program,” in accordance with the AMA and KPMG, which conducted the study for the AMA. “In short, they may be prepared to ‘check the box’ of reporting requirements but they lack the long-term strategic financial vision to succeed in 2018 and beyond.” Survey findings are available here.