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MIPS & Advanced Payment Models

Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) determines whether Medicare pays you more, less, or the same — based on your performance across quality, cost, and interoperability. The Academy helps you succeed every year.

Ophthalmologists and technicians examine patient records

Under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), ophthalmologists and other eligible clinicians are scored annually across four categories — Quality, Cost, Promoting Interoperability, and Improvement Activities — and their Medicare payment rate is adjusted based on that score. For most ophthalmologists, MIPS participation is not optional: failing to report, or reporting poorly, results in real payment penalties. 

The Academy works on two fronts. On the advocacy side, we work with CMS to keep MIPS practical and sustainable for ophthalmologists by reducing administrative burden and advocating for policies that reflect the realities of ophthalmic practice. On the education and tools side, we provide members with the resources they need to report  successfully and avoid penalties — including the IRIS Registry, the annual Prep Kit, and ongoing coding and compliance guidance. 

Advanced Alternative Payment Models

Most ophthalmologists have no Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) available to them, and the Academy is working to ensure future payment models are appropriate for ophthalmology practices and their patients.

IRIS Registry Prep Kit

Everything your practice needs to prepare for successful MIPS reporting through the IRIS Registry — updated each year.

MIPS Value Pathways

Merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) value pathways (MVPs) are a new optional MIPS reporting option for ophthalmologists — and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has signaled it may eventually become mandatory. 

Quality Measures

The Academy develops ophthalmology-specific quality measures and advocates for meaningful, specialty-relevant reporting options in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). 

Traditional Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)

MIPS ties payment adjustments to performance across four categories for eligible clinicians. The Academy is here to help ophthalmologists succeed in the program and avoid penalties.

Don't Leave MIPS Points on the Table

Your MIPS score affects Medicare payment adjustments. Use the Academy’s IRIS Registry, Prep Kit, and quality resources to report successfully before year-end.

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Latest News

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The Academy’s IRIS Registry Continues to Help Ophthalmologists Succeed in MIPS

While cost category concerns remain, The Academy's clinical data registry again helped our members achieve strong performance in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).

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Academy Fights Policies Limiting How You Treat Patients

The Academy partnered with ASOPRS and NANOS to submit formal written comments to five Medicare administrative contractors on proposed coverage policies for botulinum toxin injections that could override your clinical judgment on treatment decisions.

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CMS Opens 2026 MIPS Exception Applications

Applications must be submitted on CMS' Quality Payment Program webpage by 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.

Our Advocacy in Action

The Academy advocates to keep MIPS workable for ophthalmologists — and provides the tools and registry infrastructure members need to succeed in the program each year.

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