HOW TO SELECT MIPS MEASURES

There are nearly 300 MIPS quality measures from which to choose. Choosing only six (6) can be overwhelming but with this many choices it also gives you options. We recommend you consider the following when selecting your measures. If you are still unsure let us help.

1. Start with more
   Six measures including an outcome (or high priority) measure are required for full participation but when possible start with more than six. You can then only report the six that will give you the highest score.
2. Measure Specification
   Read and understand thoroughly the CMS measure specification for each measure. When it applies, and when it doesn’t. The clinical action and documentation that is required. Any follow up action including a time-period and additional documentation.
3. Consider your specialty
   You may think this is obvious, but not all specialists are the same. Make sure you choose measures that fit your practice, the conditions you treat and how you care for your patients.
4. Factor in your Patient population
   Think about your patients. Don’t pick measures that require something from your patients that they can’t or won’t do – for example, a measure that requires communication from them via a patient portal. When possible select measures that reflect actions within your control.
5. Don’t overlook your workflow
   Some measures require a step or documentation that is counter-productive to your office workflow causing disruption. If this is the case the necessary quality action is not likely to be adopted resulting in a measure with low performance which only causes disappointment and frustration.
6. Documentation
   Understand the documentation required. Consider what is needed – numeric such as for BP or Y/N such as with pneumonia vaccine – and whether your system allows for this documentation. Consider your ability to run reports or aggregate the information. If the data is not collected in a discrete way then it may not be an option.
7. Make it EASY.
   Ultimately you should pick measures that do not make your day more difficult and longer. Choose measures that reflect actions or processes already in place. A clinical action that is currently a priority within your office. Measures that focus on achieving your existing goals as a clinician. When you do this MIPS quality reporting is not an extra burden but instead just reflects the high-quality care you already provide your patients.