Please be aware of these important 2021 Performance Year deadlines.
Quality Payment Program Exception Applications Window Closes Soon!
December 31, 2021 is the last day to file ALL exception applications.
In order to file an exception, you will need a HARP account. This is available through the QPP (Quality Payment Program) website. (https://qpp.cms.gov/login)
Filing for a MIPS Category Exception for any of the performance categories will allow the points to be reweighted to other categories. Any of the below issues will constitute a need to file a MIPS Performance Category Exemption or an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances application.
Requirements for Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Hardship
- Natural disaster, for example flood, tornado, etc.
- Public Health Emergency (PHE), for example COVID-19
Requirements for Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship
- Small practice
- Decertified EHR (Electronic Health Record) technology
- Insufficient Internet connectivity
- Extreme and uncontrollable circumstances such as disaster, practice closure, severe financial distress, or vendor issues
- Lack of control over the availability of CEHRT
Automatic Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy
- This is in place due to the continuing COVID-19 heath emergency. This applies to all MIPS eligible clinicians who report as individuals. A neutral payment adjustment will be awarded.
- Data can be reported and replace the automatic EUC (Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances) policy.
Once you apply through the QPP website for an exception, a notification will be sent to the email address provided on your application. You can also log into the QPP website to check your current application status.
For additional information, please visit https://qpp.cms.gov/mips/exception-applications.
