KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Quality Payment Program – Small, Underserved and Rural

UPDATE FROM CMS (2/15/22): The Small, Underserved and Rural Support (SURS) initiative that provided free technical assistance to small practices ended on February 15, 2022 as the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) only provided for 5 years of direct support.

PLEASE NOTE: While this funding has ended, Kentucky REC still offers complete technical assistance for small, rural and underserved practices navigating the QPP Program.

The Kentucky REC provides free, high-level assistance to eligible clinicians as they navigate participation in the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The Kentucky REC serves as the state-level coordinating entity for Kentucky under contract with CMS to help clinicians in small practices (with 15 or fewer Eligible Clinicians), especially those in rural or underserved areas, to participate in QPP. The Kentucky REC also participates in a 7-state regional coalition led by the Altarum Institute and funded by CMS that has established the Quality Payment Program Resource Center™ to bring the best minds together across our region to identify issues and offer support to clinicians participating in QPP. This includes:

  • Straightforward, self-directed resources and tools
  • Up-to-date materials reviewed for accuracy and usability
  • Expert Quality Payment Program Advisors available via live chat or phone support

2021 Building Blocks

QPP Resources

QPP Tip Sheets

QPP Webinars

Webinar August 19 – CMS Quality Payment Program 2026 NPRM

CMS released the calendar year 2026 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) Proposed Rule on July 14th, 2025. Join our experts at the Kentucky Regional Extension Center on August 19th, 2025 for a live, client-access only roundtable discussion. We will cover the major proposed updates and potential impacts to eligible clinicians and practices in Program Year 2026 and beyond.

KENTUCKY REC QPP NEWS

QPP Webinar Dec 16: CMS 2026 Final Rule

QPP 2026 PFS & QPP Final Rule* Webinar Date: December 16, 2025 @12pm CMS released the highly anticipated 2026 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule on Nov 3rd — and the changes are significant. From new Quality Payment Program (QPP) requirements to critical updates...