2026 MIPS Improvement Activity IA_PM_27: Improving Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care
Written by Tucker Deyett, Dedicated Advisor, ReportingMD. Source data: CMS Quality Payment Program 2026 measure specifications and benchmark files.
Subcategory: Population Management New for 2026
At a glance
IA_PM_27, Improving Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care, is a 2026 MIPS improvement activity in the Population Management subcategory. 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
To increase the detection rate of cognitive impairment, particularly in early stages, the MIPS eligible primary care clinician must perform the following activities:
• Determine his/her baseline detection rates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and cognitive impairment at either stage using the tool provided for this Improvement Activity
• If any of the three rates are below 1.0:
o Increase the uptake of the Annual Wellness Visit
o Ensure that each Annual Wellness Visit contains a structured cognitive assessment
o Include a question about subjective memory concerns to the collection of vital signs during intake for patients 65+, and conduct a structured cognitive assessment in those with concerns
• Remeasure detection rates for MCI, dementia, and cognitive impairment at either stage quarterly
This Improvement Activity should only focus on Medicare patients aged 65 and older, given the strong correlation of cognitive impairment with age.
Activity details
- Activity ID: IA_PM_27
- Subcategory: Population Management
- Programs: Traditional MIPS, APP, APP Plus
- First performance year: 2026
Need help with IA_PM_27?
ReportingMD is a CMS qualified registry and healthcare data pipe with a 100% submission rate since 2001. We confirm IA attestations and documentation with every client before submission. Talk to a ReportingMD advisor or browse the full 2026 MIPS directory.