Physician perspectives about the US Quality Payment Program: MIPS benefits and alternative payment model incentives
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: In the US, Medicare has implemented a nationwide Quality Payment Program via two participation options—the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and advanced alternative payment models (APMs)—to reform physician reimbursement. Program success depends on physician engagement, which in turn depends on how physicians believe the MIPS will impact care and whether they are willing to accept new APM incentives. Methods: We conducted a national web-based survey of 1,431 practicing physicians to evaluate their perspectives about (I) how the MIPS would ultimately impact stakeholder groups and (II) willingness to accept incentives related to major advanced APMs [accountable care organizations (ACOs), bundled payments, risk-adjusted capitation]. Results: Of 1,431 eligible physicians, 51% responded. Few believed that the MIPS would ultimately benefit any stakeholder groups. For instance, the minority reported the belief that the MIPS would benefit Medicare patients (17%) or physicians (8%) and hospitals/clinics (13%) caring for them, and more physicians believed the MIPS would ultimately harm these groups. With regards to APM incentives, less than a third of physicians reported willingness to accept risk-adjusted capitation (28%), shared savings/loss (23%), or bundled payment (23%) arrangements even in exchange for a guaranteed 5% increase in reimbursement from their largest payer. Conclusions: Our findings underscore concerns expressed about the MIPS and spotlight additional work needed to increase physician willingness to engage in advanced APMs.
Authors: Joshua M. Liao, Amol S. Navathe
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W3010979576