CMS is extending the 2024 merit-based incentive payment system deadline and reopening the extreme and uncontrollable circumstances exception for disruptions related to the intravenous fluid shortage.
The payment program’s previous deadline was March 31, but following the American Medical Association’s request for the exception, the MIPS application will reopen March 31 with a new deadline of April 14.
The extreme and uncontrollable circumstances exception was used after the Change Healthcare cyberattack and the COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-March, the AMA advocated for CMS to offer the exception as physicians are forced to ration IV fluids amid the shortage, which could negatively affect certain MIPS quality and cost measures.
The agency is opening the exception only for IV fluid supply disruptions, according to a March 24 statement.
The extension will delay the release of final scores and opening of targeted review, which typically occurs in mid-June, CMS said.
