Info on eCQM Requirements for 2016

August 9, 2016

Written by Patty Kosednar

Hey everyone, there seems to be some confusion about what the requirements are for electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) reporting and how it relates to meaningful use.  This post will hopefully give you the info you need and/or point you in the right direction.

In summary, the definition of electronic CQM (eCQM) reporting is providing clinical quality measure data in Category 1 Quality Reporting Data Architecture (QRDA) format out of your EHR to CMS via QualityNet.

This is not to be confused with the eCQM library of measures or the CQM requirements for meaningful use. The eCQM library is used to define each quality measure specification used by the various CMS quality programs. However, for the sake of this post, eCQM refers to the electronic submission of the data directly out of your EHR in QRDA format.

PPS Hospitals for 2016 Reporting Year

Inpatient Quality Reporting Program – You MUST report at least 4 CQMs electronically (eCQMs) for the Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) program to CMS, which can also count for all 16 CQM requirements for the meaningful use program.

Medicare/Medicaid Meaningful Use Program – There are NO electronic CQM (eCQM) reporting requirements for the meaningful use program (Medicare/Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs).  You WILL need to submit quality data as required by the MU program.  However, there is no requirement to submit the data electronically. If you submit the 4 required electronic CQMs (eCQMs) for the IQR program, these will count for the 16 CQM requirements for the meaningful use program.

Critical Access Hospitals for 2016 Reporting Year

Inpatient Quality Reporting Program – There are no electronic CQM (eCQM) reporting requirements for CAHs. However, there will be reporting in subsequent reporting years, so it is pertinent that you start preparing to electronically report as soon as possible.

Medicare/Medicaid Meaningful Use Program – There are NO electronic CQM (eCQM) reporting requirements for the meaningful use program (Medicare/Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs).  You WILL need to submit quality data as required by the MU program. However, there is no requirement to submit the data electronically.  If you are a CAH and volunteer to submit the 4 required electronic CQMs for the IQR program (this is not required for CAHs), these will count for the 16 CQM requirements for the meaningful use program.

Eligible Providers for 2016 Reporting Year

There are NO electronic CQM (eCQM) reporting requirements for any of the CMS quality reporting programs for eligible providers for the 2016 reporting year.  You WILL need to submit quality data as required by the each program, however there are no requirements to submit the data electronically.

I know this is a confusing, so please email me if you have any questions or would like more information on this topic.

eCQM Resources

Leave a reply, ask a question or share information using the “Leave a Reply” section below, or email Patty Kosednar directly with your questions or comments.

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