MIPS Hardship Exception Due to COVID-19 Continues in 2023 In April 2023, CMS announced it will continue to allow physicians and group practices to apply for a Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances hardship exception to avoid up to a -9% MIPS penalty in 2025 based on 2023 performance. The exception is not automatic,...

HHS Office of Inspector General Publishes Information on Audits of Telehealth Claims The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has published findings on audits of Medicare telehealth services claims as well as guidance and tools for practices. In 2022 and 2023, OIG has conducted extensive audits on telehealth...

Medical Societies Support Congressional Action on Physician Payment Policy Recently, four members of Congress—Raul Ruiz, Larry Bouchon, Ami Bera, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks—introduced in H.R. Bill 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. On April 18, 2023, ISASS and dozens of other stakeholders published a letter to these representatives to express support of legislation...

Physician Groups Oppose Cigna Payment Policy on Multiple Procedures On April 18, 2023, ISASS joined more than 100 other medical societies in requesting that Cigna immediately rescind a new policy that will create a disincentive for unscheduled medically necessary care and place a significant administrative burden on healthcare professionals. Effective May 25, 2023, Cigna will require physicians to...