2026 MIPS Improvement Activity IA_CC_18: Relationship-Centered Communication
Written by Tucker Deyett, Dedicated Advisor, ReportingMD. Source data: CMS Quality Payment Program 2026 measure specifications and benchmark files.
Subcategory: Care Coordination
At a glance
IA_CC_18, Relationship-Centered Communication, is a 2026 MIPS improvement activity in the Care Coordination subcategory, included in 1 MVP. For PY2026 activities are not weighted: clinicians with small practice, rural, non-patient-facing, or HPSA status attest to one activity, all other Traditional MIPS participants attest to two, and MVP participants attest to one.
Activity description
In order to receive credit for this activity, MIPS eligible clinicians must participate in a minimum of eight hours of training on relationship-centered care tenets such as making effective open-ended inquiries; eliciting patient stories and perspectives; listening and responding with empathy; using the ART (ask, respond, tell) communication technique to engage patients, and developing a shared care plan. The training may be conducted in formats such as, but not limited to: interactive simulations practicing the skills above, or didactic instructions on how to implement improvement action plans, monitor progress, and promote stability around improved clinician communication.
Activity details
- Activity ID: IA_CC_18
- Subcategory: Care Coordination
- Programs: Traditional MIPS, APP, APP Plus
- First performance year: 2019
MVPs that include this activity
Surgical Care
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