Raise the bar: How to achieve QP status during a pandemic

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) participating in Advanced Alternative Payment Models (Advanced APMs) are eligible to qualify for a payment bonus equal to 5% of Medicare Part B revenue and avoid Merit-based Incentive Payment System payment adjustments and reporting requirements. COVID-19 will complicate achieving Qualifying Advanced APM Participant (QP) status for ACOs. This paper explores QP status criteria and the actions ACOs can take to ensure they continue to qualify for the 5% bonus, even during a pandemic.