In a proposed rule released last week, CMS took the first step toward integrating quality reporting measures under the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative and the "meaningful use" incentive program, Health Data Management reports.
The new health reform law requires CMS to develop a plan for integrating the two programs by Jan. 1, 2012 (Goedert, Health Data Management, 6/28).
The PQRI initiative, launched in 2007, provides incentives to physicians participating in Medicare who report certain quality measures (Simmons, HealthLeaders Media, 6/29). Meanwhile, the 2009 federal stimulus package provides Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments to health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records.
In a proposed rule about Medicare physician payment changes for 2011, CMS requested public comment on how it should integrate the PQRI and meaningful use incentive programs. CMS plans to publish a final version of the proposed rule on July 13.
According to CMS, meaningful use measures that physicians could use for PQRI reporting through EHRs include:
- Blood pressure management;
- Body mass index screening;
- Prevention care follow up; and
- Prescription drugs that should be avoided for elderly patients (Mosquera, Government Health IT, 6/28).