AQI posts updated 2017 QCDR measure specifications
QCDR measures were assigned new measure IDs in 2017. Eligible clinicians should use the 2017 QCDR Specifications when selecting measures for 2017 Quality Reporting. AQI’s Measure ID Crosswalk and Measure Codes Crosswalk include updated changes to the measure IDs and measure codes. For more information, email askaqi@asahq.org or visit AQI’s developer resources.
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.
New NACOR data submission portal now in effect
Effective Monday, July 10, AQI is introducing a new data submission process through ePreop. All National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) participants and vendors must begin uploading complete (merged and formatted) data files to the new NACOR data submission portal. If you need assistance merging or formatting your data file, email askaqi@asahq.org to schedule a conference call.
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 will begin 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.
Save the date!
AQI is hosting a MACRA Reporting Workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, September 8, at ASA headquarters in Schaumburg. Learn about 2017 MACRA reporting, including how to select quality measures and improvement activities for your practice. Registration is coming soon.
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.
Don't forget to renew for 2017 NACOR Quality Reporting
Practices that have enrolled in NACOR Basic and did not sign up for additional quality reporting options recently received information about 2017 NACOR reporting changes and instructions for the renewal process. Practices enrolled in NACOR Quality Reporting should receive a renewal letter soon. NACOR Quality Reporting options in 2017 include the NACOR-Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO), Qualified Registry (QR), NACOR-GPRO Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR), NACOR-Individual QR and NACOR-Individual QCDR.
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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