You are currently viewing Top Strategies for Improving Medicare eCQM Performance

Improving Medicare eCQM performance is crucial for healthcare providers aiming to meet quality standards. With the introduction of the APM Performance Pathway (APP), it’s essential to transition from legacy systems and ensure data completeness across all payers. Leveraging tools like Patient360 can help streamline this process, providing valuable insights and support.

Key Takeaways

  • Using Patient360 can help aggregate data effectively, ensuring compliance with new reporting standards.
  • Leveraging scoring engine insights can optimize data and identify any gaps that need addressing.
  • Engaging subject matter experts can provide crucial support in analyzing data before submission to CMS.

Leverage Scoring Engine Insights

To boost your Medicare eCQM performance, you should leverage scoring engine insights. These insights can help you understand where you stand and what areas need improvement. Using a scoring engine can provide a clear picture of your performance and highlight areas that require attention. This is especially important in the final days of submission, as your EMR vendor might not be maximizing your MIPS performance. While EMRs offer around 64 quality measures, CMS-approved registries provide access to nearly 250. This means you have more opportunities to improve your scores and reimbursements. By understanding all available measures, you can better navigate the challenges of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program and make informed decisions. Our population health management platform enables payers and providers to effectively oversee various value-based care models throughout the entire care continuum. This holistic approach ensures that no essential data points are overlooked, helping to optimize your performance.

Ensure Data Completeness Across All Payers

Ensuring data completeness across all payers is crucial for improving Medicare eCQM performance. Data completeness remains at 75% for patient encounters, with expectations to rise to 80% in 2027. This means you need to gather and report all relevant data from every payer. This comprehensive approach helps in improving overall care quality by encouraging thorough data reporting rather than selective data. Additionally, there are new obligations for data validation audits to ensure compliance.

One of the challenges clinics face in adopting electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) is the need for robust organizational strategies. Harmonizing eCQMs across systems can enhance measurement accuracy and data reliability. Strategic planning and tailored solutions are essential to overcome these hurdles. By focusing on these areas, you can ensure that your data is complete and reliable, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Related: Challenges in Adopting eCQMs in Clinics

Identify Gaps in Data

To improve your Medicare eCQM performance, it’s crucial to identify gaps in your data. Missing or incomplete data can lead to inaccurate quality measures, which can affect your overall performance. By pinpointing these gaps, you can take steps to fill them and ensure your data is complete and accurate.

One effective way to identify gaps is by using certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT). This technology helps you track and analyze your data more efficiently. It also highlights areas where data may be missing or incomplete, allowing you to address these issues promptly.

Additionally, regular audits of your data can help you spot any inconsistencies or missing information. These audits should be part of your routine to ensure ongoing data accuracy. By staying on top of your data, you can make sure that your quality measures are based on complete and accurate information.

Utilize APM Performance Pathway (APP)

The APM Performance Pathway (APP) is a streamlined approach designed to help healthcare providers meet quality reporting requirements. By using the APP, you can align your reporting with the goals of the Medicare program, making it easier to track and improve performance. This pathway simplifies the reporting process, reducing the burden on your team and allowing you to focus more on patient care. The APP integrates with your existing systems, ensuring that data is collected and reported accurately. Understanding the differences between electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) and MIPS Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs) is essential for maximizing the benefits of the APP. Patient360 offers expert guidance to help you navigate these complexities and improve your reporting outcomes.

Related: eCQM vs. CQM: What’s The Difference?

Transition from Legacy Web Interface Measures

Switching from legacy web interface measures to newer methods can be a game-changer for your Medicare eCQM performance. The 2024 qualified registry offers a streamlined way to track performance in both web interface measures and eCQMs/MIPS CQMs. This transition allows you to move full steam ahead with eCQM/MIPS CQM reporting, making your data more accurate and easier to manage.

One of the main benefits of this shift is the reduction in reporting burden. The Uniform Data System (UDS) modernization initiative aims to improve data quality and better measure program services and outcomes. By adopting these new measures, you can ensure your data is complete and reliable, which is crucial for meeting CMS requirements.

In summary, moving away from legacy web interface measures not only simplifies your reporting process but also enhances the quality of your data. This change is essential for staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of Medicare eCQM performance.

Engage Subject Matter Experts for Data Analysis

improve your Medicare eCQM performance

To improve your Medicare eCQM performance, it’s crucial to engage subject matter experts for data analysis. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, helping you navigate the complexities of eCQMs. By leveraging their expertise, you can better understand the nuances of your data and identify areas for improvement. This approach ensures that your data is accurate and complete, which is essential for meeting quality reporting requirements.

Fulfill Quality Category Reporting Requirements

To meet the Quality Category Reporting Requirements, you need to understand the different reporting options available. In 2024, ACOs have the flexibility to meet APP quality reporting requirements by either submitting the web interface quality measure set (consisting of 10 measures) or utilizing other approved methods. Selecting the appropriate reporting method is vital to ensure compliance with all required standards.

CMS is shifting focus from mere reporting to improved performance, with financial incentives for high performers. Early engagement in data optimization can enhance healthcare quality and financial outcomes. Understanding peer comparisons in the evolving healthcare landscape is also important.

By staying informed and proactive, you can successfully navigate these requirements and improve your Medicare eCQM performance.

Submit eCQM/CQM Measures

Submitting eCQM/CQM measures is a crucial step in the Medicare reporting process. Accurate submission ensures that your organization meets the necessary quality standards and avoids penalties. To get started, you need to gather all relevant data and ensure it is complete and accurate. This involves working closely with your EMR vendors to address any data gaps and ensure the data is formatted correctly for submission.

Once your data is ready, you can use the CMS submission portal to upload your measures. It’s important to double-check your entries for any errors before finalizing the submission. This step is vital to avoid any issues that could arise from incorrect data. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate the quality of care provided and to identify areas for improvement.

By proactively engaging with your EMR vendors and ensuring data accuracy, you can make the submission process smoother and more efficient. This not only helps in meeting the reporting requirements but also in improving the overall quality of care provided to patients.

Analyze Data Before CMS Submission

Before sending your data to CMS, it’s crucial to review it thoroughly. Double-checking your data can help you catch any mistakes that might affect your scores. This step is important because errors can lead to lower scores and impact your financial adjustments. Make sure to look at your performance metrics and understand what they mean. This will help you see where you can improve. By taking the time to analyze your data, you can ensure that your submission is accurate and complete. Before sending your data to CMS, it’s crucial to analyze it thoroughly. This step ensures accuracy and compliance, helping you avoid potential issues down the line. 

Optimize Data Aggregation with Patient360

To improve your Medicare eCQM performance, it’s crucial to optimize data aggregation. Patient360 offers a comprehensive solution to streamline this process. By using Patient360, you can ensure that your data is complete and accurate, which is essential for meeting reporting requirements. This platform helps you gather data from various sources, making it easier to identify any gaps. With Patient360, you can adapt to new reporting needs and enhance your quality performance. The system is designed to help you transition smoothly from older methods to more efficient ones, ensuring you stay ahead in the evolving landscape of eCQM data collection.

Our team at Patient360 is here to assist you with this process. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you with your data analysis needs.

Conclusion

eCQM/CQM measures for Medicare reporting process

Improving Medicare eCQM performance is crucial for providing better patient care and meeting regulatory requirements. By using tools like Patient360, ACOs can easily gather and analyze data to meet the new APP submission requirements. This not only helps in optimizing the quality of care but also ensures compliance with CMS guidelines. With the right strategies and support, healthcare providers can make significant strides in enhancing their eCQM performance, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for patients.