Selecting the right collection type for the APP program can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple collection types to consider, such as electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs), traditional CQMs and MCQMs.
Choosing the best approach is essential for your ACO to ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and improved patient outcomes.
This article explores the differences between CQMs, eCQMs, and MCQMs, helping you understand which is the best fit for your organization’s goals.
Key Takeaways:
- CQMs, eCQMs, & MCQMs differ in their data collection methods and integration with technology.
- eCQMs are often automated and integrated with EHRs, offering efficiency.
- CQMs and MCQMs are more manual and may be suited for smaller organizations.
- MCQMs require reliance on CMS for quarterly beneficiary rosters.
- Medicare reporting requirements vary across collection types.
- The right collection choice can optimize your ACO’s data accuracy and compliance.
Understanding CQMs, eCQMs, and MCQMs for Medicare ACOs
For all collection types, quality measures are performance measures that assess the quality of care provided to patients.
These measures help track how well healthcare providers follow evidence-based care standards. Traditionally, CQMs required manual data entry, which could be time-intensive, especially for larger organizations.
In contrast, eCQMs, or electronic clinical quality measures, automatically extract data from electronic health records (EHRs), typically in the form of QRDA files.
This digital approach not only improves accuracy but also reduces manual workload, making it an attractive option for many accountable care organizations (ACOs) navigating the shift to value-based care.
Related: What is MIPs?
Advantages of Using eCQMs in ACOs
eCQMs offer several advantages, particularly for organizations using EHRs extensively. Since eCQMs pull data automatically from EHRs, they provide a more efficient and accurate method of quality reporting.
These measures align well with modern healthcare’s shift toward digitalization and ACO reporting needs.
Efficiency in Data Collection
eCQMs allow seamless data collection, which cuts down on the time required for manual entry. This automation not only ensures greater accuracy but also enables staff to focus on patient care rather than data management.
Compliance and Standardization
eCQMs are designed to meet Medicare’s quality reporting requirements, including specific benchmarks and data completeness standards.
This level of compliance reduces the risk of data inaccuracies, which can impact performance metrics and financial outcomes.
Real-Time Performance Tracking
Real-time tracking is another benefit, enabling healthcare providers to adjust their care processes and improve patient outcomes on an ongoing basis.
Real-time data collection aligns well with ACO performance benchmarks, supporting a proactive approach to quality care.
When CQMs May Be the Right Choice for Your ACO
While eCQMs offer technological benefits, some ACOs may find traditional CQMs more suitable, especially if they have limited access to 2015 CEHRT EHR systems or prefer a more hands-on approach.
CQMs typically involve manually gathered data, which can allow for more detailed, tailored quality assessments in certain healthcare settings.
Suitability for Smaller ACOs
Smaller organizations or those with fewer resources may find traditional CQMs more manageable. They don’t require extensive EHR infrastructure, making them an accessible option for ACOs that prefer or need to avoid complex tech implementations.
Flexibility in Data Collection
Traditional CQMs can offer flexibility, as they’re often less dependent on specific software systems. For some ACOs, manually reviewing and managing data allows for a more personalized touch in understanding patient care outcomes and quality benchmarks.
Cost-Effective for Certain Settings
Implementing eCQMs can come with upfront costs associated with EHR integration and staff training.
For ACOs operating on tighter budgets, CQMs offer a cost-effective alternative that still meets Medicare’s reporting requirements without heavy initial investment.
Deciding Between CQMs, eCQMs, and MCQMs for Medicare Reporting
Determining the best collection type for your ACO involves assessing organizational resources, size, and goals. Some ACOs may benefit from a hybrid approach, leveraging both CQMs and eCQMs depending on the nature of the data and the reporting demands.
Considerations for eCQMs
If your organization has an integrated 2015 CEHRT EHR system, transitioning to eCQMs could save time, reduce errors, and align with broader goals for automated data collection and digitalization.
Many ACOs moving to Medicare’s Advanced Payment Models find that eCQMs complement their focus on efficiency and streamlined workflows.
Considerations for CQMs
For ACOs that prefer a more gradual approach to digital quality measurement, CQMs remain a viable option and based on the recent 2025 Final Rule, will still be available for at least 2 more years in the APP program.
They’re particularly suitable for practices that might not yet have the resources for full-scale EHR integration but still aim to achieve quality improvement in line with Medicare requirements.
Related: Cost Effectiveness of ACOs Explained
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The Future of Medicare Quality Measures in ACOs
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace technology, eCQMs are expected to become the standard for ACOs working with Medicare. However, CQMs will still have a place, particularly for organizations that value flexibility and a more hands-on approach to quality measurement.
Patient360 provides insights into the evolving role of ACOs in healthcare, suggesting that as regulatory standards evolve, organizations will benefit from staying current with both types of reporting methods.
This approach allows ACOs to adapt as Medicare regulations change, ensuring sustained compliance and quality improvement.
For ACOs seeking expert guidance on choosing the right Medicare quality measures, consider connecting with Patient360’s team of specialists. Our experts can help you assess the best-fit reporting approach, optimize your Medicare compliance, and elevate patient care outcomes.
Conclusion
In the landscape of Medicare quality measurement, including eCQMs, CQMs and MCQMs play valuable roles. eCQMs offer a streamlined, automated approach ideal for larger ACOs with integrated EHRs, while CQMs and/or MCQMs provide flexibility suited to smaller organizations or those early in digital adoption.
Making an informed choice between these collection types ensures that your ACO can meet quality standards, optimize data accuracy, and enhance patient outcomes.
By aligning your ACO’s reporting strategy with Medicare requirements, you’re not only enhancing operational efficiency but also fostering high-quality patient care.
Explore Patient360’s resources to guide your Medicare quality measurement journey and maximize your organization’s performance in value-based care programs.
