Switching EHR Software Vendors? Here is How to Protect Your MIPS Score – Improvement Activities Category

Posted On: August 16, 2021

Series 3 of 4

Switching EHR (Electronic Health Record) software vendors can be expensive and stressful. Users need to be trained on the software, electronic devices need to be integrated, patient data needs to be transferred from your former software, learning curves must be overcome, and everything must be accomplished with minimal impact to patients and scheduling. During this hectic time, your MIPS score for the year might be the furthest thing from your mind. However, if you are not properly prepared when it comes time to report your MIPS data to CMS, the repercussions can be devastating from both a financial and stress level standpoint.

In this four-part series, Clinical Quality Experts provides important tips for each of the four MIPS performance categories when planning to switch EHR software vendors. This is the third part of the series: the Improvement Activities Category.

Switching EHR software vendors requires a significant outlay of work and effort. This is also true of your Improvement Activities (IA). If you are switching EHR vendors, consider choosing Improvement Activities that can coincide with that endeavor. Once you have decided on your IAs, read through the data validation requirements and document your IAs while implementing the corresponding aspects of the new EHR. Here are some ideas for the 2021 MIPS Performance Year:

• IA_BE_4 : Are you implementing a new patient portal as part of your new EHR software? Check this activity and see if it qualifies as an enhanced patient portal. If so, this is a great activity to consider.
• IA_CC_7 : When your team is learning how to perform Direct messaging, consider performing this activity. It coincides with implementing a new EHR and it improves performance in the Promoting Interoperability category’s Direct messaging measures.
• IA_CC_13 : Does your new EHR have the capability to participate in a Health Information Exchange (HIE) with area physicians? If the answer is “yes,” see what HIE(s) are available. This activity applies to your Promoting Interoperability category measures, too.
• IA_CC_19 : Implement MACRA patient relationship codes. This can also help ensure that the appropriate clinician is attributed an episode from the MIPS Cost category.
• IA_PSPA_16 : If your new EHR offers tools such as Clinical Decision Support and standardized treatment protocols, use this to your advantage. It can provide reminders to reinforce new workflows and also count towards an IA.
• IA_PSPA_20 : If you have a dedicated leadership team spearheading the implementation of the new EHR, take a look at this activity.

Switching EHR Software Vendors?  Here is How to Protect Your MIPS Score – Cost  Category