The What, Why & How of MIPS Exception Applications

Currently, the CMS has extended two automatic EUC exceptions for 2025 MIPS:

California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4856-CA)
Texas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4879-TX)

If your practice has been impacted by a disaster, review the CMS’ 2025 MIPS Automatic Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy Fact Sheet. This resource outlines the automatic EUC exception policy and is frequently updated as new automatic exceptions are announced.

Applying for an Exception

Both the EUC and PI exception applications are currently open. To complete an application, you will need a Health Care Quality Information System (HCQIS) Access Roles and Profile (HARP) account. For information on acquiring a HARP account, refer to the QPP Access User Guide.

To apply for an exception, visit the QPP’s Exception Applications webpage. Applications will close on Dec. 31.

The final rule, issued Nov. 2, finalizes many proposed policies, including a decreased conversion factor, billing for shared visits and teaching services, continuation of telehealth services and inclusion of an ACR-led Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Value Pathway.

The ACR highlights essential information for providers for 2022 MIPS reporting in the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, published Nov. 2.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reopened the Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances application and indicated they will automatically apply the policy to individuals who do not submit data for 2020 Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have provided the opportunity to apply for exceptions for the Performance Year (PY) 2020 Quality Payment Program Merit-Based Incentive Program (MIPS) program requirements. This will help clinicians finding PY2020 MIPS federal reporting difficult due to circumstances outside their control.

Applying for an Exception

Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Policy Will Apply to All MIPS-Eligible Clinicians 2021

2022 PFS Final Rule for the Quality Payment Program Published

Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Application for 2020 Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Reopened

Hardship Exception Applications Open for Clinicians Struggling with Quality Payment Program Reporting in 2020

Applying for an Exception

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