The forgotten track: Medicare ACOs qualify for third MACRA option

Since the CMS implemented the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act last fall, physicians have been concerned that their value-based payment options put too much financial risk on their practices. 

The Merit-based Incentive Payment System, known as MIPS, and advanced alternative payment models penalize physicians for poor performance scores. 

But a third, lesser-known option is available for physicians participating in Track 1 of the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Dubbed the MIPS-APM track, it doesn't punish physicians for low scores in MACRA performance categories.