American Medical Association (AMA) President David O. Barbe, M.D. today released the following statement commending the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for hearing the concerns of practicing physicians regarding MACRA implementation.

"CMS is proposing a number of policies to help physicians avoid penalties under the Quality Payment Program. In particular, it is suggesting several actions to assist small practices. The Administration showed it heard the concerns raised by the AMA on behalf of practicing physicians.

"In proposing these rules, the Administration has taken another step to make sure the promise of MACRA - where physicians are rewarded for improvement and for delivering high-quality, high-value care - will be fulfilled. Patients and physicians will benefit from the new MACRA approach, as flexibility is vital when implementing a wide-ranging reform.

"Not all physicians and their practices were ready to make the leap, and many faced daunting challenges. This flexible approach will give physicians more options to participate in MACRA and takes into consideration the diversity of medical practices throughout the country."