MIPS Cost Measures for Podiatry: What Providers Need to Know

Written by Chirpy Bird Contributor Shereese Maynard, MS, MBA She/Her

For podiatry providers participating in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), understanding cost measures is critical. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses the Cost category to evaluate the value of care you deliver, making it a significant factor in your MIPS score. In 2025, the Cost category accounts for 30% of your total MIPS score. Podiatry providers can ensure better outcomes and optimal reimbursements by focusing on actionable strategies.

What Are MIPS Cost Measures?

MIPS Cost measures evaluate the resources used to deliver care to Medicare patients. These measures focus on efficiency, encouraging providers to optimize care delivery without compromising quality. CMS assesses cost performance using claims data, so you don’t need to submit additional documentation for this category.

Cost measures for podiatrists typically focus on episode-based care, such as procedures or conditions related to the lower extremities. Depending on your practice, measures like "Lower Extremity Joint Repair" and "Planned Ankle Surgery" could be relevant.

Key Cost Measures for Podiatry Providers

1. Lower Extremity Joint Repair: This measure measures the cost associated with treating conditions requiring joint repair in the lower extremities.
2. Planned Ankle Surgery: Tracks costs for episodes involving elective ankle surgeries.
3. Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management: This section evaluates the cost of treating diabetic foot ulcers, a common condition managed by podiatrists.

These measures encompass a broad scope, from preoperative assessments to post-discharge care, making it crucial to consider the entire care cycle.

Strategies to Optimize Your MIPS Cost Performance

1. Know Your Baseline Costs

• Use past performance data to identify cost outliers in your practice. Understanding historical trends can help you pinpoint areas for improvement.
• Tools like CMS’s QPP Participation Status Tool can provide insights into your performance relative to peers.

2. Enhance Care Coordination

• Collaborate with other providers in your patients' care to reduce redundancies and streamline services.
• Effective communication with primary care physicians and specialists can ensure patients receive appropriate care at the right time.

3. Implement Evidence-Based Protocols

• Use clinical guidelines for managing common podiatric conditions like diabetic foot ulcers and osteoarthritis.
• Standardizing treatment protocols can reduce variability and unnecessary procedures.

4. Focus on Preventive Care

• Encourage regular check-ups and screenings to identify potential issues early. Preventive care reduces the need for costly interventions.
• For example, ensuring patients with diabetes have regular foot exams can help prevent severe complications and lower costs.

5. Leverage Technology

• Use electronic health records (EHRs) and predictive analytics tools to track patient outcomes and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Consider integrating telehealth for follow-ups, which can reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction.

6. Educate Patients

• Empower patients to actively participate in their care by educating them about self-care practices and post-procedure recovery.
• Well-informed patients are more likely to follow through on recommended treatments, reducing the likelihood of complications.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Overutilization of Services: Avoid unnecessary tests or procedures that don’t improve outcomes.
2. Lack of Documentation: While cost measures rely on claims data, thorough documentation in EHRs supports better coding and accurate performance assessments.
3. Ignoring Peer Comparisons: Regularly review your cost performance against benchmarks to stay competitive.

Why It Matters

Scoring well in the MIPS Cost category boosts your overall MIPS score and enhances your reputation as a value-driven provider. High performance in this category demonstrates your commitment to efficient, high-quality care, which is increasingly essential in today’s healthcare landscape.

Final Thoughts

By understanding and managing MIPS cost measures, podiatry providers can optimize their performance, improve patient outcomes, and secure better reimbursements. Stay informed about measure updates, leverage data-driven insights, and implement strategic care processes to make 2025 your most successful MIPS reporting year.

Need help navigating MIPS? At ChirpyBirdInc.com, we specialize in guiding providers like you through the complexities of MIPS reporting. Please reach out to us today to make sure your practice thrives in the value-based care era.