CMS has announced two important updates for practices participating in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs).
The Quality Payment Program Participation Status Tool has been updated with the first 2026 snapshot of APM participation data, based on Medicare Part B claims from January 1 through March 31, 2026. Eligible clinicians should log into the QPP Portal to verify their information and confirm their Qualifying APM Participant (QP) or MIPS APM participation status. Providers who qualify as QPs may be eligible for APM incentives and are exempt from MIPS reporting.
CMS has also published the 2027 Quality Reporting Document Architecture (QRDA) Category III Implementation Guide, along with updated schematron files and sample files for eligible clinicians reporting electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs). The updated guidance includes support for the 2027 performance period, the Ambulatory Specialties Model, and the Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model, along with new technical resources to assist with reporting.
Practices participating in APMs or submitting eCQM data should review these updates and ensure they are prepared for upcoming reporting requirements.
Resource: APM Determination Periods