As healthcare practices prepare for the 2025 performance year under CMS's Quality Payment Program (QPP), staying informed on key dates and deadlines is crucial for maximizing your success. The QPP encompasses programs like the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs). Here’s what small practices need to know for a streamlined, compliant, and efficient participation as we wrap up 2024 and head into the 2025 performance year.

November 2024: Key Actions for QPP Readiness

• Understand 2025 Program Changes: Review the recently released Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule to understand updates for the 2025 performance year.
• MVP Registration Deadline – December 2, 2024: If your practice intends to report through MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) for 2024, ensure registration is completed by December 2, 2024.
• 2025 Virtual Group Election Deadline – December 31, 2024: Solo practitioners or small groups (10 or fewer clinicians) wishing to join or modify a virtual group for MIPS in 2025 must submit elections by December 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Elections should be sent to MIPS_VirtualGroups@cms.hhs.gov.

December 2024: Final Preparations for 2025

• MIPS Eligibility Check: Confirm your eligibility for the 2024 MIPS program year and verify your participation status using the QPP Participation Status Tool. Initial MIPS eligibility for 2025 will be available on January 2, 2025.
• Create a HARP Account (if needed): If you plan to participate in MIPS in 2025, ensure you have a Health Care Quality Information Systems (HCQIS) Access Roles and Profile (HARP) account for easy access to the QPP website (register with HARP).
• Submit Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception Applications: For those impacted by significant disruptions, applications for the EUC Exception are due by December 31, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET.

January 2025: Start of Performance Year and Data Collection

• Begin data collection for your chosen quality and performance measures on January 2, 2025. These metrics will impact your performance score, influencing your Medicare reimbursements in future payment years. By making sure teams are familiar with any updates to MIPS and APMs in 2025, clinicians can adjust reporting practices accordingly.

Next Steps

Visit the QPP website for tools and resources that guide your practice in meeting upcoming deadlines and compliance standards. By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of QPP benefits and avoid negative adjustments. For more information or help, contact the QPP Help Desk at QPP@cms.hhs.gov.