--- title: Three Tools To Help Navigate MACRA - MIPS & APMs description: The alphabet soup of MACRA and deciphering requirements of MIPS. Dragon Medical Software can help in each category. image: https://www.mindwareconnections.com/hubfs/WEB%20PAGE_BLOG/MIPS%20FINAL.png --- [![mw_logo_tag-1](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MW_LOGOS/mw_logo_tag-1.jpg?width=322&height=92&name=mw_logo_tag-1.jpg)](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/) # The Mindware Connection Making Your Office More Productive and Efficient JUST USING YOUR VOICE! ## [Three Tools To Help Navigate MACRA - MIPS & APMs](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/blog/three-tools-to-help-navigate-macra-mips-apms-1) Posted by [Julie -](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/blog/author/julie-) on Thu, Oct 26, 2017 Are there enough acronyms in that title? WOW… healthcare today requires knowledge of its Alphabet Soup and a lot of deciphering of the requirements. However, one thing we know for sure is having the right tools and accurate clinical documentation is critical to obtaining reimbursement. Overwhelmed? Here are three tools to help in your success:  1. **Dragon Speech Recognition Software** Don’t waste time typing. Getting trained in the expedience of [Dragon software](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/dragon-medical-rochester-buffalo-syracuse-albany) will have you updating EHR measures in no time. This allows you more time to provide quality care to your patients. Schedule a [DEMO](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/book-a-demo) to see how effectively Dragon works in all applications. 2. **Helpful Acronym Definitions** MACRA – Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act HHS – Health and Human Services QPP – Quality Payment Program MIPS – Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (Replaces the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula) ![MIPS FINAL.png](https://www.mindwareconnections.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WEB%20PAGE_BLOG/MIPS%20FINAL.png?width=365&name=MIPS%20FINAL.png "MIPS FINAL.png") 1. **Quality** – Replaces Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Requires reporting on six quality measures, or one specific or subspecialty specific measure set. 2. **Clinical Improvement Activities** – New Category - Four medium weighted or two high-weighted activities to receive full credit. 3. **Advancing Care Information** – Replaces Meaningful Use (MU) Using Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT) report on five required measures. 4. **Cost** – Replaces the Value-Based Modifier (Will be calculated in 2017, but will not determine payment adjustment until 2018.) 1. APM – Alternative Payment Model AAPM– Advanced Alternative Payment Mode EC – Eligible Clinician ACI – Advancing Care Information 1. All of these can be more clearly defined at:[http://www.aafp.org/practice-management/payment/medicare-payment/acronyms.html](http://www.aafp.org/practice-management/payment/medicare-payment/acronyms.html) 1. **Website Help** There are resources to help define what you need: [https://qpp.cms.gov](https://qpp.cms.gov) [https://www.healthcatalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Preparing-for-MACRA.pdf](https://www.healthcatalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Preparing-for-MACRA.pdf)[https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-11-04/pdf/2016-25240.pdf](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-11-04/pdf/2016-25240.pdf) Although it is too late to start reporting for 2017 (the deadline was October 2nd.) It is not too late to start preparing for 2018. The consequences of ignoring QPP reporting are a 4% reduction to Medicare reimbursement (starting 2019) and more importantly, reputations are at stake, as quality scores will be made public.  Know the intent of MACRA is not just to save money but also to take care of patients efficiently and give them the best quality care. 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