The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to engage in a study to gain a better understanding of the administrative burdens associated with its Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), and physical therapists (PTs) are invited to participate in the research even if they aren't currently involved in the program.

According to an announcement from CMS, in addition to MIPS-eligible clinicians, the study is open to a limited number of clinicians who aren’t eligible for mandatory participation—such as PTs—even if they haven’t volunteered to participate. Currently, participation in MIPS is optional for PTs, though the system could be mandatory as early as 2019.

During the April 2018–March 2019 study period, CMS will evaluate workflows and data collection methods and explore the challenges faced by clinicians in collecting and reporting data to MIPS. Applications for being included in the survey are being accepted through March 23, 2018. For more information, contact MIPS_Study@abtassoc.com.