2018 MIPS data submission completed
The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) has completed its submission to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2018 MIPS quality and improvement activity data. Preliminary scores are now available in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) portal but are subject to change. Final MIPS scores will be available in July. AQI will not have access to the final MIPS scores. Eligible clinicians and group practices will need a QPP Account with CMS to view final results. View the CMS video on how to create a QPP account.
Register for 2019 NACOR Reporting
Quality reporting practices can now begin the enrollment process for 2019 NACOR Quality Reporting by completing the new online order form.
AQI's NACOR quality reporting options include the following new offerings in 2019 to ensure that NACOR remains the leader in anesthesia - Quality Concierge, NACOR Quality Reporting and NACOR Benchmarking. NACOR Basic does not include quality reporting.
To better address individual and practice needs, AQI will add enhanced dashboards for better analysis, opportunities to view benchmarked data, and the chance for eligible physicians to earn MOCA Part IV credit for reviewing data for AQI Measure 59: Multimodal.
These new products and services will result in a change in the NACOR pricing structure for 2019. ASA members and NACOR participants will see a fee adjustment in 2019 for NACOR Benchmarking and NACOR Quality Reporting. NACOR Basic remains a complimentary member benefit and pricing for NACOR Quality Concierge is unchanged in 2019.
Changes in 2019 MIPS Reporting
The following changes to MIPS quality reporting are effective in 2019:
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The Quality Component will be weighted at 45% of the total MIPS score.
- Data completeness requirements: Eligible Clinicians (ECs) should report on six measures for the 12-month performance period (1/1/19-12/31/19). The six quality measures must include at least one outcome measure or another high priority measure in the absence of an applicable outcome measure. Reporting rates for each measure should be greater than or equal to 60%.
- The Cost Component and the Improvement Activity components will each be weighted at 15% of the total MIPS score.
- The minimum threshold for 2019 is 30 points to avoid a penalty adjustment, up from 15 points in 2018.
- The payment adjustment for 2019 is ± 7%, a 2% increase from 2018.
Additional information can be found on the ASA Website or by emailing AskAQI@asahq.org or QRA@asahq.org.
2019 XML schema changes announced
AQI has made minimal changes for the 2019 NACOR XML Schema updates. AQI will require all data submissions to use the 2019 version by July 1, 2019. Until then the 2018 XML Version will be accepted. The 2019 version will be accepted as early as April 15, 2019. The updates are as follows:
- Updated "Copyright (C) 2018" to "Copyright (C) 2019"
- Removed AQIXMLVersionType enumeration "2018V1.0" added AQIXMLVersionType enumeration "2019V1.0"
- Removed AQIXMLVersionType enumeration "2018V1.0R" added AQIXMLVersionType enumeration "2019V1.0R"
- Added ProviderCredentialsCodeType enumeration "Dentist Anesthesiologist"
- Added ProviderCredentialsCodeType enumeration "Dentist Anesthesiologist Resident"
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Extended OutcomeIDType maxInclusive value to 103
- 102 = Injury related to sensory or motor deficit after local or regional anesthesia
- 103 = Unplanned electric shock
2019 schema information and an updated XML validation have been posted on the AQI website. For more information, email AskAQI@asahq.org.
Quality Reporting Office Hours - April 9
Looking for answers to your quality reporting questions? AQI is hosting its regularly scheduled Virtual Office Hours at 11 a.m. Central, Tuesday, April 9. AQI and ASA staff members provide quality reporting general announcements and participate in a question-and-answer session.
Take guesswork out of quality measures
In AQI's podcast, Senior Quality Program Manager Toni Kaye shared her tips and strategies for practices when selecting measures and establishing MIPS goals. Listen to the podcast, "Selecting Measures for Quality Reporting," to get a better understanding of which quality measures you or your group should report to MIPS.