CMS is drawing near unanimous praise from medical associations for allowing greater flexibility for providers to comply with the payment reforms in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).

Many of the comments on the proposed MACRA rule had called for implementation of the Quality Payment Program and its new payment tracks to be delayed. The American Medical Association (AMA) had asked for a July 2017 start date, but appeared satisfied with CMS allowing providers to participate for part of 2017 or to simply test the program by submitting some data next year.

“By adopting this thoughtful and flexible approach, the Administration is encouraging a successful transition to the new law by offering physicians options for participating in MACRA.  This approach better reflects the diversity of medical practices throughout the country,” AMA President Andrew Gurman, MD, said in a statement. "The AMA believes the actions that the Administration announced will help give physicians a fair shot in the first year of MACRA implementation. This is the flexibility that physicians were seeking all along.”

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) was also pleased CMS was offering some leeway to physicians to get used to the new systems.

“Our recommendations were particularly important for physicians in solo and small practices,” AAFP Chairman Robert Wergin, MD, said in a statement. “The options outlined by CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt ensure that all physicians who participate in the program are not penalized in the first year.”

Comments from other organizations were in the same vein. CAPG President and CEO Robert Crane said the flexibility will ensure the “landmark law's momentum” continues. Ashley Thompson, senior vice president of public policy at the American Hospital Assocation, said the group is pleased CMS listened to feedback on “meeting MACRA's aggressive timeline and reporting requirements.”

American College of Physicians (ACP) President Nitin S. Damle, MD, MS, said the changes made were “consistent with recommendations made by ACP,” but noted providers would still be required to participate in the Quality Payment Program in some way next year.

“Some level of participation would be required for each of the options in order for a practice to not be subjected to negative adjustments,” Damle said in a statement. “However, it provides the time and flexibility needed for those practices to choose the pace of their participation, while allowing those who are ready to report beginning Jan. 1, 2017, to be eligible for a positive payment adjustment.”

More details about the options for 2017 participation, as well as other changes, will be addressed in the final rule due to be released on Nov. 1.