The deadline to file will be January 2, 2024.

Physicians may now apply for an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances hardship exception to avoid an up to 9% penalty in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) thanks to advocacy from the American Medical Association and organized medicine about the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

The penalty would apply in 2025 based on the 2023 performance period. The exception will not be automatic. Interested physicians and groups must actively request reweighting of one or more MIPS performance categories due to the COVID-19 PHE. Requesting reweighting of all four MIPS performance categories will avoid a MIPS penalty in 2025. 

Applications can be submitted through Jan. 2, 2024.