New NACOR reporting platform
AQI successfully transitioned the data warehouse to ePreop on July 1. NACOR participants who have existing user accounts for the dashboard will now use their email addresses as usernames in the new platform.
For security purposes, NACOR participants will be assigned a new password. An email from nacorsupport@asahq.org was delivered on July 1. The email will provide the credentials necessary for you to log in for the first time and will prompt you to configure two factor authentication and change your password. Two-factor authentication will send a code via email and/or text message to your cell phone.
As the AQI Practice Champion, you may assign additional users with permission to view reports by either using the "add user" functionality in the platform or by submitting a help desk ticket to nacorsupport@asahq.org.
Questions regarding NACOR participation and general program questions should be directed to AskAQI@asahq.org
Difference between NACOR Basic and NACOR Benchmarking
In 2019, AQI added a new reporting option: NACOR Benchmarking. NACOR Basic includes access to the NACOR dashboard and reports providing local level analytics. NACOR Basic remains a complimentary benefit for all participating ASA members. For access to NACOR National Benchmarks practices should enroll in NACOR Benchmarking. Please review the 2019 reporting options and fee structure before registering for 2019. A 2019 registration form is required for all NACOR practices except those enrolled in Quality Concierge.
For more information email AskAQI@asahq.org
2018 MIPS final scores
CMS has released final 2018 MIPS scores. To view final scores, Eligible Clinicians must log in to their HARP accounts with CMS, as AQI does not have access to final scores. Letters with final scores will not be sent to clinicians. Practices without HARP accounts can obtain them through the CMS Enterprise Portal by selecting "PQRS: Physician Quality Reporting System" when prompted to "Choose your application."
Quality Reporting Office Hours - July 9
ePreop, which is now providing data warehousing services will demo the new NACOR dashboard at next week's Office Hours session, scheduled at 11 a.m. Central, Tuesday, July 9. A question-and-answer session will follow the demonstration. Miss last month's Virtual Office Hours? Check out the June Office Hours.
2019 XML schema
Effective July 1 all data submissions to NACOR must use the 2019 version of the XML schema. The updated 2019 schema information and an XML validation are posted on the AQI website. Any files submitted using the 2018 format will fail validation. Please check with your vendors to ensure they are using the updated version.
For more information email AskAQI@asahq.org
2019 NACOR registration
2019 Policies and Procedures
2019 Individual Quality Reporting consent form
2019 NACOR pricing (PDF)
2019 QCDR Measure Specifications (PDF)
2019 Recommended Improvement Activities
NACOR Data Definitions
Read past issues of
AQI's NACOR News.
Question: If a provider has left the practice half way through the year - does the practice need to report the provider's cases?
If the practice is reporting as a group and the provider performed cases in 2018, the practice needs to be reporting 60% of all eligible cases for that provider regardless if they are still at the practice or not as CMS is evaluating the data at the TIN level not the individual NPI. If the practice is individually reporting, the data will follow the provider's NPI.
Question: In regards to the reporting year on the AQI website it state to submit 60% of eligible cases and we understand it is not pick your pace but does this mean 60% of 2018 cases? Can you elaborate?
The 2018 MIPS reporting requirement is to report on 60% of the denominator eligible cases for 6 measures including 1 outcome measure for the 12 month reporting period (1/1/2018 - 12/31/18). For example, If your practice is reporting MIPS 76 - Prevention of Central Venous Catheter (CVC - Related Bloodstream Infections and places 75 central lines during 2018 your practice would need to report on 45 cases which is 60% of the eligible cases.
Question: Is it possible for all providers in a practice to be non-MIPS eligible and not required to submit data as individuals, but are eligible as a group?
Yes if the individual providers do not meet the 2018 MIPS participation criteria (billed $90,000 or less in Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) services furnished to Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service (FFS) beneficiaries (including Railroad Retirement Board and Medicare secondary Payer) and have 200 or fewer Medicare Part B FFS beneficiaries) the practice can be MIPS eligible as a group if the group has billed $90,000 or more in PFS services furnished to Medicare Part B beneficiaries and have 200 or more Medicare Part B beneficiaries.