PACES Grouper
PY4 EQIP Grouper Transition to PACES
After extensive analysis and meetings with specialty stakeholders, the HSCRC will move forward with utilizing Patient-Centered Episodes of Care System (PACES) for EQIP, starting in PY4.
The Episode Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that will provide incentive payments to physicians who improve the quality of care and reduce the cost of care that they provide to Maryland Medicare patients. EQIP tests an approach that ties healthcare payments to the quality and cost of services provided under a clinical ‘episode’ for a set period. This includes relevant set of services delivered to a related to a medical condition, procedure or health care event during a defined time period.
Source and Additional Information: HSCRC and Medchi
EQIP Enrollment Timeline
EQIP Enrollment for PY4 is closed. PY5 Enrollment will open July 2025
EQIP FAQ and Portal Walkthrough
EQIP 101: PY4 Program Overview
EQIP Meetings:
The EQIP Subgroup meets on the third Friday of every other month. Prior meeting recordings and materials can be found HERE. Please reach out to EQIP@crisphealth.org to be added to distribution list.
EQIP Practice Transformation Grant:
To support participating entities in their transformation efforts, HSCRC has established the Practice Transformation Grant (PTG) Program. This initiative, slated to begin in January 2025, aims to enhance EQIP entity readiness and performance through targeted investments and resources. Key features of the PTG program include:
- Assessment of readiness levels and grant eligibility criteria.
- Provision of financial support for initiatives such as data analysis, EHR optimization, clinical documentation improvement, and care management.
- Routine coaching and oversight to facilitate ongoing improvement.
- Financial settlements at the conclusion of the grant period to assess the impact on performance.
Important Resources
EQIP Policy Resources and Documentation
EQIP Introduction Policy Guide – this document will cover the overarching goals of the program, the program structure and key policy components critical for participation
EQIP Specification and Methodology – this document is a comprehensive reference on the methodology and implementation of the program
EQIP Technical Review – this document is intended to allow a user to walkthrough the construction of a EQIP episode from base claims to reconciliation.
