CMS announced it is granting exceptions from reporting requirements and extensions for providers participating in Medicare quality reporting programs (QRP) with respect to upcoming measure reporting and data submission for those programs.

This action comes as part of the Trump Administration’s response to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

For the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) QRP and the SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program:

• Deadlines for October 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019 (Q4) data submission are optional.
• If Q4 data is submitted, it will be used to calculate the 2019 performance and payment (where appropriate).
• Data from January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (Q1-Q2) does not need to be submitted to CMS for purposes of complying with QRP requirements.

In addition, for the SNF VBP program, qualifying claims will be excluded from the claims-based SNF 30-Day All-Cause Readmission Measure (SNFRM; NQF #2510) calculation for Q1-Q2.

Read more: CMS Announces Relief for Clinicians, Providers, Hospitals and Facilities Participating in Quality Reporting Programs in Response to COVID-19 (March 22, 2020)