Quality Payment Program Exceptions

866.288.8292
QPP@cms.hhs.gov

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides the opportunity to apply for exceptions to meeting Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program requirements.

There are two available exception applications.

(1) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception: An exception based on rare events entirely outside of the facility's control.

These circumstances would:

• Cause the inability to collect information necessary to submit for a MIPS performance category
• Cause the inability to submit information that would be used to score a MIPS performance category for an extended period of time
• Impact normal processes, affecting performance on cost measures and other administrative claims measures

(2) Promoting Interoperability Hardship Exception: MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups may request an exception citing one of the following specified reasons:

• Have decertified EHR technology
• Have insufficient internet connectivity
• Face extreme and uncontrollable circumstances such as disaster, practice closure, severe financial distress, or vendor issues
• Lack of control over the availability of CEHRT

MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups that can cite one of the reasons listed above may apply for an exception.

There is no monetary value. This is an exception to participating in the Quality Payment Program.

Links to additional guidance and the online exception applications by type are available on the program website.