CMS Releases Updated Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy

February 2018 ~

CMS has released an updated version of its Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) transition year.

The updated policy includes the addition of counties affected by Hurricane Nate as well as additional counties affected by the California wildfires.

According to the agency, the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy applies to MIPS eligible clinicians in Federal Emergency Management Agency designated areas affected by Northern California wildfires and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate, but doesn’t apply to MIPS eligible clinicians in MIPS Alternative Payment Models (MIPS APMs) in 2017 (such as the Medicare Shared Savings Program).

MIPS eligible clinicians in the affected areas will be automatically identified and not further action is required.

For more information, refer to the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2017 Fact Sheet and view the interim final rule on the Federal Register.

Source(s): MLN Connects; HealthIT Answers;