Save time, start preparing for 2018 MIPS reporting

The 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting period is approaching fast. Physicians can save time by making sure they have the right information to submit their MIPS data. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging physicians to verify or obtain credentials for the Quality Payment Program (QPP) portal. The 2018 MIPS performance year ends on Dec. 31, and physicians will be able to report their data through the QPP portal beginning Jan. 1. Physicians will need an Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) account to log into the QPP portal.

Before starting the application process, physicians should verify if they already have an account. To determine if you already have an account or to find out the name of your practice’s security official, you can contact the QPP Help desk (866-288-9292 or qpp@cms.hhs.gov).

If you do not have an account, you should start the process as soon as possible because obtaining credentials can take some time. Physicians or authorized representatives can create an account through the CMS Enterprise Portal website. Users will be required to provide information regarding the group practice or individual physician, tax identification number (TIN), national provider identifier (NPI), and Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN). A full list of required information and detailed instructions can be found in the CMS Guide for Obtaining an EIDM Account.

Once you have your credentials, you can log into the QPP portal. In addition to submitting data, the QPP portal contains 2017 MIPS Feedback reports and is where physicians will review their data during the upcoming Physician Compare review period.

– Erin Solis, Regulatory Compliance Strategist for the American Academy of Family Physicians