MGMA Survey Highlights Continuing Dissatisfaction with MIPS, Prior Authorization

Oct. 16, 2019

83 percent said prior authorization requirements are extremely burdensome

The recently released results of an annual survey by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) reveal that physician practices still perceive regulations as a heavy burden.

From measuring quality to completing prior authorization requirements, medical practices see regulatory hurdles as interfering with clinical goals and improving patient outcomes.

The survey includes responses from executives representing over 400 group practices. Sixty-six percent of respondents are in practices with fewer than 20 physicians and 14 percent are in practices with more than 100 physicians. Three-fourths of respondents are in independent practices.

With a membership of more than 45,000 medical practice administrators, executives, and leaders, MGMA says its Annual Regulatory Burden Survey provides it with critical data on the real impact of federal policies and regulations.

In the 2019 survey, 86 percent of respondents said the regulatory burden on their medical practice has increased over the past 12 months, and 83 percent said prior authorization requirements are extremely burdensome.

Eighty-four percent of respondents reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implementation of value-based payment reforms has increased the regulatory burden on their practice.

MGMA says it regularly hears from members that clinicians and group practices do not understand how CMS evaluates them on MIPS cost measures and that the lack of actionable, timely information makes this category a “black box” that they have little to no control over.

In response to the question, “Is CMS’ feedback on MIPS cost measure performance actionable in assisting your practice in reducing costs,” 77 percent said no.

When they were asked about their level of satisfaction with MIPS: 1 percent said they were very satisfied; 7 percent satisfied; 34 percent neutral, and 58 percent dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

Seventy-six percent said no in response to the question: “Is CMS feedback on MIPS quality measure performance actionable in assisting your practice in improving clinical outcomes?”

When asked to rate their level of satisfaction with the availability of applicable MIPS quality measures, 50 percent said dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.