The Impact of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act on the Field of Ophthalmology.

PURPOSE

To analyze the impact of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) on the field of ophthalmology.

DESIGN

A perspective on the effects of MACRA's Quality Payment Program after analysis of the proposed rule, final rule, and commentary submitted by relevant stakeholders.

RESULTS

Physicians will need to use 1 of 2 payment structures: Merit-Based Incentive Payment Systems (MIPS) or Alternative Payment Models (APMs). APMs and MIPS will focus on bundling payments and reimbursing based on "fee-for-service-plus" models, which take into account clinical outcomes, coordination of care, clinical improvement, and electronic information exchange and security. APMs have substantial advantages, with eligible participants receiving a bonus and a higher rate of annual adjustment over the program's life. For most ophthalmology practices, MIPS may be more appropriate owing to its broader applicability and the current paucity of APMs for ophthalmologists.

CONCLUSION

The Quality Payment Program is a substantial improvement over the negative adjustments under the repealed Substantial Growth Rate model. Ophthalmologists will likely use the MIPS system; however, its comparatively lower reimbursements, as well as its cost, quality, and other reporting measures, may prove problematic.