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How to Confirm MIPS Eligibility and Reporting Requirements for Your Physical Therapy Practice

Understand MIPS eligibility for physical therapy practices under the Quality Payment Program. Learn how to determine if providers meet Low-Volume Thresholds, plan for data collection, and use the QPP Participation Lookup Tool to avoid penalties and stay compliant. Prepare now to succeed in MIPS reporting.
November 8, 2024
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Navigating the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) under the Quality Payment Program (QPP) can be challenging for physical therapy practices. One of the most important aspects to understand is whether your providers are required to report MIPS data. Our best advice: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Since you won’t know for sure if any providers are required to report until after Snapshot 2 is released (late 2025), it’s crucial to plan ahead. By preparing for the possibility of being required to report, you can avoid getting caught off-guard and facing the maximum -9% penalty adjustment.

If you have providers that may meet the Low-Volume Thresholds (LVTs), you’ll need to plan to collect MIPS measure data for the entire performance period (1/1/25-12/31/25). This ensures that you’re ready in case they are ultimately required to report. In this post, we’ll break down what the LVTs are, and how to use the QPP website and Participation Lookup Tool to stay on top of your providers’ eligibility.

What Are Low-Volume Thresholds (LVTs)?

The Low-Volume Thresholds (LVTs) are the criteria that determine whether a provider must participate in MIPS for a given performance year. These thresholds are based on the volume of Medicare Part B patients a provider sees and the Medicare billing charges associated with their practice.

For a provider to be required to report MIPS data, they must exceed all of the following LVTs during the snapshots for the performance period:

  1. Bill more than $90,000 for Medicare Part B covered professional services, and
  2. See more than 200 Medicare Part B patients, and
  3. Provide more than 200 covered professional services to Medicare Part B patients.

When Are The Snapshots?

The QPP reviews past and current Medicare Part B claims and PECOS data for clinicians and practices twice for each performance period. Each snapshot, or “segment,” analyzes data from a 12-month period. Analysis of data from segment 1 is released as preliminary eligibility determinations. Analysis of data from segment 2 is reconciled with the results from segment 1 and released as the final eligibility determination.

MIPS Determination Period Segment Details - 2025
MIPS Determination Period Segment Details - 2025

Why You Should Plan to Collect Data for the Entire Performance Period

Even though the official MIPS eligibility determination is made after Snapshot 2 (in late 2025), it’s important to prepare for the worst by collecting MIPS measure data throughout the entire performance period. Here's why:

  • Eligibility Could Change: New providers may be under the impression that they won't meet the LVTs from snapshot 1, but a determination for them can be just snapshot 2. If you wait to start collecting data until eligibility is confirmed, you risk not being ready in case they do need to report.
  • Avoid Penalties: If a provider is required to report and you haven’t collected the necessary MIPS data throughout the year, you may face a penalty. 
  • It’s Better to Be Safe: By collecting data from the start of the year, you ensure that if there are any surprises, you’re ready to report without scrambling.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Use the QPP Participation Lookup Tool

To start understanding whether a provider in your practice might be required to report MIPS, use the QPP Participation Lookup Tool. This tool will help you determine eligibility based on individual National Provider Identifier (NPI) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

How to Use the Tool:

  1. Go to the QPP Website: Navigate to qpp.cms.gov.
  2. Click on “MIPS” header: then Check Participation Status.
  3. Search by NPI: You can look up eligibility by entering an individual NPI (type 2 NPI) to check the eligibility of a single provider.
  4. Review Eligibility: The tool will provide results showing whether the provider is required or opt-in eligible to report MIPS for the current year.

Alternatively, Use the Signed-In Experience for Organizational Eligibility

If you want to check multiple providers or want to check your entire practice's eligibility, you can log into the QPP website using your HARP account (Healthcare Electronic Administrative and Reporting Portal). Once logged in, and successfully connected to your organization, you’ll be able to view eligibility for all the providers in your practice, as well as track any changes.

Step 2: Prepare to Collect Data for the Full Performance Period

Since you won’t know definitively if a provider will meet the LVTs until Snapshot 2, it’s important to plan to collect MIPS measure data for the full performance period. Even if you believe a provider will be exempt, don’t take the risk of not collecting the data—especially since eligibility can change for new providers with the second snapshot.

Start collecting data for the following MIPS categories:

  • Quality: Track and report quality measures related to patient outcomes and care.
    (365 day period)
  • Improvement Activities: Ensure that your practice meets the required activities to improve care delivery. (90 day period)
  • Promoting Interoperability: Ensure your EHR and data reporting systems meet the requirements for 2015 CHERT technology & interoperability. (180 day period)

Having the necessary data on hand ensures you're ready to report as required, whether a provider is ultimately eligible or not, and gives you the option to pursue a positive bonus.

The Bottom Line:

By adopting the right processes and staying proactive, you give your practice the flexibility and options needed to succeed under MIPS. Preparing early not only helps you avoid getting backed into a corner unprepared, but it also opens up opportunities to maximize your performance and potentially earn incentives. With a little planning and the right tools, you can turn the uncertainty of MIPS into an opportunity to elevate your practice and provide even better care for your patients. Stay ahead of the curve, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way—empowered, confident, and fully equipped to succeed!

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general information purposes only and represents an interpretation of the CMS and MIPS Program rules. Eligibility for MIPS can be complex, and different TIN/staff scenarios may impact eligibility requirements or reporting responsibilities. As such, it is recommended that you consult the official CMS Quality Payment Program website at qpp.cms.gov for the most up-to-date and detailed information. For any specific questions or unique circumstances, please reach out directly to the QPP help desk for personalized assistance.

Download our MIPS Success Guide