Survey: 84% of independent physicians unsure of MACRA, but 85% say they will participate

Kelly Gooch -

Most independent physicians and staff will participate in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act's Quality Payment Program, despite their uncertainty, according to a recent Kareo survey.

The survey found that 84 percent of medical practices are uncertain what MACRA will require of their practice. However, 85 percent expect to participate in it to the best of their ability.

Kareo, a provider of clinical and business management software for independent medical practices, conducted the survey after the MACRA final rule was released in October, and more than 170 medical practices responded.

Kareo said the survey overall showed most practices expect to participate in MACRA, but they are uncertain what the requirements are or how the program will impact revenue.

For the survey, Kareo asked medical practices if they understood what MACRA requires of their practice, and 41 percent were unsure, while 43 percent said they disagreed or strongly disagreed they knew what MACRA required of their practice, according to a news release. Only 4 percent of survey respondents strongly agreed.

Kareo also asked medical practices about MACRA's impact on revenue. According to the release, 63 percent of survey respondents were unsure if MACRA would reduce reimbursement. The survey also found that most medical practices were sure MACRA would increase reporting burdens, and more than 60 percent said their practice would see an increase in reporting requirements.

"The survey results highlight a trend we have seen at Kareo in recent years," Dan Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Kareo, concluded in the release. "Independent practitioners want to stay independent so they want to participate in programs like MACRA and avoid possible penalties. But they need help to do it. The addition of the Pick Your Pace options in the final rule is a step in the right direction."

 

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