Before you begin your 2018 MIPS reporting, the first step you should take is to determine if you are required to report this year by checking your participation status on the CMS website. The Quality Payment Program (QPP) Participation Status tool allows clinicians to view their status for each performance year for both the Merit-based Incentive Payment Program (MIPS) and the Alternative Payment Model (APM). Keep in mind if you are not exempt from MIPS participation in 2018, failing to report will result in a 5% penalty on your Medicare Part B payments in 2020.