This project summarized the current literature on Rural Health Clinic (RHC) quality reporting and explore issues related to the potential RHC participation in Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), including a general review of the MIPS regulations and a specific review of the MIPS regulations as they apply to RHCs. Additionally, we conducted key stakeholder interviews with a select group of leaders from the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, State Offices of Rural Health, state RHC associations, RHCs, and consulting organizations. Questions for this group will focus on:

1. Understanding their members' attitudes toward quality reporting and voluntary participation in MIPS and other quality reporting systems.
2. Assessing their knowledge regarding participation of their members in these types of activities.
3. Exploring opportunities to encourage greater participation in these types of activities.
4. Identifying policy options to improve participation.
5. Identifying clinics that may be actively preparing to voluntarily participate in MIPS.

Publications

• Rural Health Clinic Participation in the Merit-Based Incentive System and Other Quality Reporting Initiatives: Challenges and Opportunities
  Policy Brief
  Maine Rural Health Research Center
  Date: 07/2018
  This brief discusses the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) within the context of past and current Rural Health Clinic (RHC) quality reporting initiatives and assesses options for encouraging RHCs to voluntarily participate in MIPS.