CMS has released several updates to the Quality Payment Program (QPP), including new APM participation snapshots, approved registries for the 2026 performance year, website enhancements, and rural status updates. These changes are intended to help clinicians and organizations verify participation status and prepare for upcoming reporting requirements.
New 2025 APM Participation Snapshots Available
CMS updated the QPP Participation Status Tool using the second and third snapshots of 2025 APM data.
- Second snapshot (posted November 25): Includes Medicare Part B claims from January 1 through June 30, 2025
- Third snapshot (posted December 15): Includes Medicare Part B claims from January 1 through August 31, 2025
The tool reflects Qualifying APM Participant (QP) status and MIPS APM participation status. Clinicians who qualify as QPs are exempt from MIPS and eligible for APM-specific incentives.
How to Verify QP or APM Participation Status
Clinicians should log into the QPP Portal to confirm entity information. Participation status can be checked by visiting the QPP Participation Status Tool and entering a 10-digit National Provider Identifier (NPI). Any discrepancies should be reported to the QPP Help Desk.
2026 Approved QCDRs and Qualified Registries Posted
CMS posted the 2026 approved Qualified Clinical Data Registries (QCDRs) and Qualified Registries in the QPP Resource Library on December 18. These listings help clinicians choose a CMS-approved intermediary to collect and submit MIPS data on their behalf.
The postings identify which registries are approved to support:
- MIPS quality measures
- Promoting Interoperability measures and objectives
- Improvement activities
- MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs)
- Approved QCDR measures, where applicable
QPP Website Updates for the 2026 Performance Year
CMS has updated the QPP website with new and expanded resources, including:
- Information for the 2026 performance year
- Updated reporting requirements and options
- Most 2026 measure specifications, with remaining files expected before year-end
- Improved navigation and expanded program guidance beyond reporting requirements
CMS also introduced a new AI-powered Resource Library Assistant to help users quickly locate answers within QPP resources.
Rural Status Updates Reflected in QPP Tools
CMS finalized updates to rural special status for performance years 2025 and 2026 based on the most recent Federal Office of Rural Health Policy ZIP code file. Updated rural status information is now available in the QPP Participation Status.
Resource: QPP Resource Library