Begin 2017 NACOR Quality Reporting by enrolling online
Begin the enrollment process for 2017 National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) Quality Reporting by completing the new online order form. For more information about NACOR Quality Reporting options, email qcdr@asahq.org.
New FTP account information available
Your practice/vendor should have received email instructions with FTP account information for uploading data files to AQI’s new data submission portal through ePreop. The email is not a confirmation of your enrollment in 2017 NACOR Quality Reporting. To sign up for quality reporting, complete the new online order form.
All NACOR participants and vendors must upload complete (merged and formatted) data files to the new data submission portal.
2017 QCDR Measure Specification Book – UPDATED
AQI has updated the 2017 QCDR Measure Specification book that was previously posted on June 23. We made updates to the modification table to assist with identifying the changes in the measures from 2016 to 2017.
ASA soliciting feedback on proposed quality measures
The American Society of Anesthesiologists is currently soliciting comments on several draft quality measures. The public comment period runs through Monday, August 7.
The public comment is an opportunity to provide early input on draft quality measures and to ensure that proposed quality measures are meaningful and relevant to clinical practice. To provide comments, visit the 2017 Measure Comment webpage. For more information, email the Department of Quality and Regulatory Affairs at qra@asahq.org.
AQI introduces new NACOR data submission portal
AQI has introduced a new data submission process through ePreop that went into effect July 10. All National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) participants and vendors must upload complete (merged and formatted) data files to the new NACOR data submission portal. For assistance with ftp login credentials, file upload and file feedback reports, email nacorsupport@arbormetrix.com.
Your practice/vendor should receive email instructions soon with your new FTP account information. AQI’s current FTP server was locked down in late June. Access to the new data submission portal began at 12:01 a.m., Monday, July 10. As indicated in the AQI NACOR data flow chart, ePreop will provide data validation services and ArborMetrix will continue to provide data analytics, CMS Quality Reports and submission of Quality data to CMS.
2017 NACOR MIPS and non-MIPS QCDR measures approved by CMS
The Anesthesia Quality Institute’s National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) was approved as a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR), as well as a Qualified Registry (QR), by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
CMS has published the 2017 MIPS and approved the non-MIPS QCDR quality measures. In 2017 NACOR’s QR will include 31 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) measures. NACOR’s QCDR will include the 31 MIPS measures and 15 non-MIPS measures.
Anesthesiology specialty measure specifications also can be found in the CMS Quality Payment Program resource library.
AQI quality reporting solutions
Reporting options: Individual and Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO) (NEW in 2017)
Reporting mechanisms: Qualified Registry (QR) and Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR)
MIPS Improvement Activity Suggestions
ASA’s suggested improvement activities for anesthesiology and pain medicine will help clinicians attest for credit in the improvement activities component of MIPS. The new performance category in 2017 rewards clinicians for care coordination, beneficiary engagement and patient safety.
MIPS: Am I Exempt or Required to Report?
CMS recently released a Quality Payment Program eligibility tool that allows eligible clinicians (ECs) to use their National Provider Identifier to check whether they are exempt from MIPS. The website also notes that if ECs are included in MIPS, they may be exempt with the second review of eligibility determinations in late 2017.
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