CMS Releases eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials for 2022
CMS updates the eCQM annually to align with current clinical guidelines and code systems so they remain relevant and actionable within the clinical care setting
May 13, 2021 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted the electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) specifications for the 2022 reporting period for eligible hospitals and CAHs. They also released the specifications for the 2022 performance period for eligible professionals and eligible clinicians.
The eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials need to remain relevant and actionable within the clinical care setting so they are updated annually. This is done by CMS to ensure they align with current clinical guidelines and code systems.
Programs with Potential Inclusion for eCQMs
The updated eCQMs will be used for electronically reporting clinical quality measure data for CMS quality reporting programs. They have potential inclusion for reporting year 2022 in the following programs:
- Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program
- Medicare Promoting Interoperability Programs for eligible hospitals and CAHs
- Quality Payment Program (QPP): The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (Advanced APMs)
- Advanced APM: Primary Care First (PCF)
eCQMs Are Only Available After Being Finalized Through Rulemaking
It is important to note that these measures will not be eligible for 2022 reporting and performance until they are proposed and finalized. This is done through notice-and-comment rulemaking for each applicable program.
For pre-rulemaking information, CMS offers the eCQI Resource Center. This resource center features information about pre-rulemaking eCQMs. Pre-rulemaking eCQMs include measures that have been developed, but for which specifications have not been finalized for reporting under a CMS program.
CMS offers pre-rulemaking eCQM information for eligible hospitals and CAHs and for eligible professionals and eligible clinicians that would like more information.
CMS Provides Digital Access to Updated eCQM Specifications and Materials
With the prominence of technology and the ease of access it provides, CMS houses information about eCQMs in the eCQM Data Element Repository.
This module is searchable and provides relevant data elements that are associated with eCQMs in various CMS quality reporting programs. You can also find definitions for every data element, which helps to improve clarity in reporting and implementation of eCQMs.
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The VBP Blog is a comprehensive resource for all things related to value-based payments. Up-to-date news, informative webinars, and relevant blogs in the VBP sphere to help your organization find success.