October 27, 2026 | View as Webpage

CRISP, Maryland’s state-designated health information exchange, announced the fourth performance year (PY4) results for the Episode Quality Improvement Program (EQIP), a value-based Medicare incentive program for Maryland practitioners. In calendar year 2025, EQIP generated $96.3 million in gross savings, representing a 58% increase from the previous year. Of the 128 participating EQIP entities, 97 met the performance thresholds and qualified for shared savings, resulting in $35.8 million in net distributions. 

“PY4 represents an important milestone for EQIP and for Maryland’s continued progress toward value-based care,” Megan Priolo, DrPH, MHS, Executive Director of CRISP, said. "CRISP is proud to provide the reporting infrastructure and support that help enable Maryland practitioners to identify opportunities to improve quality and manage care more effectively.”

As part of the State’s AHEAD Model, EQIP supports improvements in care across a broad range of clinical episodes and specialties. Collectively, PY4 EQIP entities managed 158,698 episodes of care—more than 10% above PY3. EQIP also broadened its clinical scope by adding 21 episodes, including a new Obstetrics and Gynecology clinical category.

EQIP is administered by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) and CRISP, with support from MedChi through practitioner recruitment, education, technical assistance, and program advocacy. It also provides administrative support to participants, helping practitioners across Maryland participate in value-based care. 

“EQIP demonstrates the value of giving Maryland practitioners meaningful opportunities to participate in value-based care and the tools and support needed to succeed,” William Henderson, Acting Executive Director of the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, said. “The strong results from the fourth performance year demonstrate the impact that value-based care can have when providers are accountable for both the quality and cost of care. As Maryland continues its work under the AHEAD Model, programs like EQIP will be an important part of advancing a more coordinated, sustainable health care system.”

EQIP demonstrates what is possible when Maryland physicians have the tools, resources, and support they need to improve care while participating in value-based payment models. The significant increase in savings and the growing number of episodes managed through EQIP reflect the commitment of Maryland practitioners to delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. MedChi is proud to support physicians throughout this process and to help ensure they have the education, technical assistance, and advocacy needed to succeed in the evolving health care landscape.

EQIP will begin its sixth performance year in January 2027. To learn more, visit www.medchi.org or contact the MedChi EQIP Team at MedChiEQIP@medchi.org. 

Gene M. Ransom III

CEO

MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society

• Wednesday, November 4 - Washington County Medical Society Monthly Membership Social
• Wednesday, November 11- Veterans Day (MedChi CLOSED)
• Thursday, November 26- Thanksgiving (MedChi CLOSED)
• Friday, November 27- American Heritage Day (MedChi CLOSED)
• Friday, December 4- Baltimore County Medical Association Legislative Breakfast
• Tuesday, December 15 - Montgomery County Medical Society Legislative Breakfast
• Friday, December 25- Christmas (MedChi CLOSED)
• Friday, January 1- New Years Day (MedChi CLOSED)
• Tuesday, January 25, 2027- MedChi Legislative Kickoff

EQIP Team Requesting Nominations for New Clinical Episodes

MedChi's EQIP team is requesting nominations for new clinical episodes for Maryland's Episode Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) in Performance Year 7 (Calendar Year 2028). A clinical episode is a condition, procedure, or treatment included in EQIP. Participants may apply to enroll in one or more clinical episodes and have the opportunity to earn shared savings based on their performance.

For current episode definitions, please review the 2027 Episode Playbook here.

How to Submit a Nomination

1. Open PACES Available Episodes Excel workbook here
2. Review Tab 1 for episodes available for nomination and Tab 2 for episodes already included in EQIP for 2027.
3. Email your suggested episode(s) to MedChiEQIP@medchi.org.

Please consider whether there is a condition, procedure, or treatment that your practice manages frequently, and that could be a good fit for EQIP. All nominations are due by October 28, 2026.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated as it will help identify opportunities to expand EQIP and make the program more meaningful for participants. If you have any questions, please direct them to the MedChi EQIP Team at MedChiEQIP@medchi.org.

Primary Care Practice in Glen Burnie Seeks Physician

The well-established Practice of Dr. Bahethi in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is seeking an eligible MD or DO for a part-time or full-time position. The successful candidate will join a collaborative primary care/internal medicine team of two providers, conduct physical examinations, interpret laboratory tests, oversee patient health, promote disease prevention, and educate patients on healthy living. Primary care experience, teamwork, a positive attitude, patience, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health and dental coverage, a SIMPLE IRA, and educational support, as well as the opportunity to help expand and shape the practice’s future with mentorship from Dr. Bahethi, who has served the community for more than 30 years. Interested candidates should submit a resume in PDF to DrBmedicine88@gmail.com.

Maryland FAMLI Deadlines Are Approaching

Maryland employers should prepare for upcoming Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) requirements. Employers must register through the state’s FAMLI portal, and those considering a private plan for 2027 must submit a Declaration of Intent by November 15, 2026.

Unity Insurance can help employers understand their options and prepare for upcoming deadlines. Call 410-539-6642 for assistance. Click here for more details.

Growing Practice? Make Sure Your Insurance Coverage Grows With It

As a medical practice grows, new locations, physicians, and leases can introduce coverage gaps and new risks. Unity Insurance highlights seven common insurance coverage mistakes growing practices should avoid to help protect their practice as it expands. Read more here.



If you have news to share about yourself, a colleague, or your practice, and would like us to feature it in MedChi News,

please contact Olivia Ballmann. All submissions are subject to review and approval.

Submission does not guarantee inclusion, publication, or use.

This Week's Sponsor

Thank you for your support!

The information contained is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal, financial, or any other professional advice on any subject matter. You should contact your attorney, financial professional, or other professional expert to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Any communication of information does not create an attorney-client relationship between Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries and the recipient. Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein or any other shared information and assumes no liability for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information contained herein or any other shared information.