Many ACOs quietly lose ground on performance in Q1, long before quality scores or shared savings reports arrive. Attribution drift—when the population you are accountable for no longer matches how care is staffed, managed, and delivered—silently erodes care management efficiency, quality measure performance, and financial predictability. Left unmanaged, it turns January’s “quiet” reporting period into the moment when performance problems are locked in for the rest of the year. This article explains how attribution drift starts, the early warning signs leaders should watch, and how proactive attribution governance can protect both outcomes and teams by treating attribution as a core leadership responsibility, not a static CMS output.

Topped-out measures—where most clinicians score near the benchmark ceiling—can hurt your MIPS Quality score even if your care is excellent. In 2025, CMS is adjusting scoring, removing outdated measures, and adding new opportunities. Here’s how to adapt:

Key Changes:

1. No More 7-Point Cap: Topped-out measures in specialty sets can now earn full points if meaningful variation exists.

2. Annual Topped-Out List: Check the Federal Register (published June 1) for measures flagged for removal or adjustment.

3. New High-Value Measures: CMS added 7 new measures, including patient-reported outcomes (e.g., pain post-chemotherapy).

Pro Strategies:
✔ Diversify: Replace topped-out measures with high-weight alternatives.
✔ Track in Real Time: Use dashboards and weekly huddles to monitor performance.
✔ Leverage Registries: Ensure your QCDR/EHR reflects 2025 benchmarks and test submissions early.

Act Now: Don’t let topped-out measures drag down your score. Innovate with new measures, optimize reporting, and protect your incentives.

The 2025 Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) update presents a pivotal moment for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). With CMS emphasizing performance accountability and health equity, ACOs must decide: Does our organization have the agility, financial resilience, and technology to thrive under Pathways to Success—and which track (Basic or Enhanced) aligns with our vision?

What if you could satisfy MIPS requirements without tracking new metrics? MVP M0005 rewards primary care practices for work they’re already doing—hypertension management, diabetes control, and routine screenings. In this guide, we’ll show you how to:

• Identify 5 measures your clinic is already documenting

• Assign ownership to staff without adding burnout

• Transform everyday workflows into Medicare bonuses
  Plus, download our free toolkit with EHR templates and reporting checklists to start optimizing today.

The 2025 Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) refresh brings critical updates for ACOs—including new risk tracks, quality benchmarks, and payment incentives. Whether you’re a new or experienced ACO participant, choosing between BASIC, ENHANCED, and ENHANCED+ tracks will shape your financial and operational success.

The end of the year is almost here and we want you to be prepared! In this blog we have mapped out your guide to earning at least 75 points so you are on the receiving end of some MIPS incentives rather than facing penalties if this score is not met.

As the end of the year approaches, now is the time to ensure your MIPS quality performance is in tip top shape. Read this week’s blog post to find out how Chirpy Bird can help you utilize the best practices for your business.

Don’t overlook your Security Risk Assessment (SRA) just because no point value is assigned to it. Find out why you need a SRA and how you can ensure you maintain it.

While it might seem advantageous for small practices to avoid certain categories due to the MIPS automatic reweighting, doing so could be a missed opportunity. Here, we break down why.

CMS has released the final MIPS scores for the previous evaluation cycle, a significant development that could potentially influence the financial trajectory and public perception of your practice.

For the healthcare professionals who know the inner workings of MIPS (Merit-Based Incentive Payment System), you're no stranger to the rigors and complexities of the system.

In this latest blog post from Chirpy Bird, find out everything you need to know about MIPS audits - your likelihood of being chosen, what documentation you need, how to stay organized, and how we can help you with all of the above! Create peace of mind knowing Chirpy Bird is taking care of you and your practice.

We have HOT news right off the press! Read on for all you need to know about the MIPS 2024 proposed rule changes and what they mean for your practice. And as always, Chirpy Bird is here to help you navigate and succeed within these parameters.

In this blog we shed some light on Improvement Activities in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program. Learn what these IA are, how many are required for you and your practice, and how they are scored.

The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) scores for 2022 are now available for review! Here you will learn why you need to check these scores from your QPP portal, how to ensure there are no discrepancies and how we can help you if any do exist.

Let’s learn about the Health Information Exchange Bi-Directional Exchange measure that is essential for Promoting Interoperability in 2023. Here we discuss the scoring details for this measure as well as three ways to accomplish the needed points. With the pros and cons of each, you will be prepared to make the right move for you and your practice or clinic.

In this blog post we strive to demystify some of the MIPS and corresponding SAFER guidelines that you need to know. This guide will reveal the requirements you are responsible for while participating in the Promoting Interoperability category. Read on to ensure you and your practice deliver safe and compliant care.

Navigating the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2023 doesn't have to be complex. Especially tailored for physical, occupational, and speech therapists, our latest blog post provides a detailed guide that simplifies each MIPS category, offering specific measure examples and actionable tips. Learn how to maximize your performance, incentives, and understand how we at Chirpy Bird can help optimize your MIPS journey.

Navigating the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2023 doesn't have to be complex. Especially tailored for physical, occupational, and speech therapists, our latest blog post provides a detailed guide that simplifies each MIPS category, offering specific measure examples and actionable tips. Learn how to maximize your performance, incentives, and understand how we at Chirpy Bird can help optimize your MIPS journey.

The CMS MIPS program in 2023 requires a high score to avoid a penalty and earn an incentive. Here are some basics on what you need to know and how a MIPS expert at Chirp Bird Inc. can help.