Current cost measure activities 

CMS works with contractors to develop the methods for analyzing costs in episode-based cost measures and to seek input during the cost measure development process. Learn more about the current and ongoing cost measure activities below from:

Wave 6 and Wave 7 field testing

From January 29 to February 27, 2026, we are field testing 3 episode-based cost measures developed during Wave 6 and Wave 7 for consideration in MIPS. During field testing, eligible clinicians and clinician groups are able to download their Field Test Reports from the Quality Payment Program website and give feedback on the draft measure specifications. These reports are for field testing only, and don’t affect any scoring or payment adjustments.

Learn more: 

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (PDF) gives you information about the cost measures and field testing in a question and answer format.
• User Access Guide (PDF) explains how to access your Field Test Report(s) on the Quality Payment Program website.
• Mock Field Test Reports (ZIP) contains sample Field Test Reports that are representative of each reporting level. Each ZIP file includes a PDF Field Test Report, a supplemental comma-separated values (CSV) file with episode-level data, and the data dictionary for the metrics used in the CSV file.
• Wave 6 and Wave 7 Measure Development Process (PDF) describes our approach to measure development.

You can also review the measure specifications, measure testing forms, and supplemental documents for the 3 episode-based cost measures:

• Episode-Based Cost Measure Specifications (ZIP) includes the current cost measure methodology and cost measure codes lists for each of the 3 episode-based cost measures developed during Wave 6 and Wave 7. Section 3 of each measure methodology document contains a high-level summary of the measure specifications.
• 2026 Cost Measures Field Testing Survey (PDF) contains questions on the specifications of each of the measures and on field testing as included in the online field testing survey, and accompanies the draft specifications for each measure.
• Person and Family Engagement (PFE) Cost Measures Field Testing Feedback Survey (PDF) contains questions on the measures being field tested as included in the online PFE survey, and it is intended for patient and family/caregiver input.
• Measure Testing Forms (ZIP) has detailed testing results for the 3 episode-based cost measures.
• At-A-Glance Measure Summaries (ZIP) contains plain language overviews of measure specifications and testing results for each of the 3 episode-based cost measures.

Recordings of informational presentations are also available for your review:

• 2026 Cost Measures Field Testing Presentation provides information on field testing and the 3 episode-based cost measures under development. The slides (PDF) can also be accessed. 
• Breast Cancer Screening Field Test Report Walkthrough provides a demonstration of reviewing a model Breast Cancer Screening group field test report.
• Non-Pressure Ulcers Field Test Report Walkthrough provides a demonstration of a model Non-Pressure Ulcers group field test report.
• Parkinsonism Syndromes and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Field Test Report Walkthrough provides a demonstration of a model Parkinsonism Syndromes and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) group field test report. 

Wave 6 continued and Wave 7 cost measure development (2025-2026)

• Summary of Wave 6 Workgroup Meetings (ZIP (ZIP)) contains a high-level summary for the measure-specific workgroup meetings held in 7/2025.
• Summary of Wave 6 Workgroup Meetings (ZIP) contains a high-level summary for the measure-specific workgroup meetings held in 9/2025 and 10/2025.
• Wave 6 Measure-Specific Workgroup Composition List (PDF) is the list of members of the measure-specific workgroups that met beginning in 7/2025 to give detailed clinical input on the measure specifications for the episode groups continuing development in Wave 6.
• Summary of Wave 7 Workgroup Meeting (PDF) contains a high-level summary for the measure-specific workgroup meeting held in 7/2025.
• Summary of Wave 7 Workgroup Meetings (PDF) contains a high-level summary for the measure-specific workgroup meeting held in 10/2025.
• Wave 7 Measure-Specific Workgroup Composition List (PDF) is the list of members of the measure-specific workgroups that met beginning in 7/2025 to give detailed clinical input on the measure specifications for the episode groups being developed in Wave 7.