With stage 1 of meaningful use in full force, and stage 2 just around the corner, we wanted to take some time to to talk about the differences in reporting on clinical quality measures (CQMs) between the two stages. Especially because meaningful use criteria for ODs can be a confusing topic with a lot of technicalities. So we'll try to lay it out, plain and simple.
Meaningful Use Criteria for ODs:
Understanding and Reporting on CQMs
Stage 1: 6 CQMs - 3 Core & 3 Additional
3 Required Core CQMs
1. Hypertension: Blood Pressure Measurement
2. Preventative Care and Screening Pair: Tobacco Use Assessment and Tobacco Cessation Intervention
3. Adult Weight Screening and Follow-up
If your EHR produces data that results in a zero for one or more of the core CQMs, then you must choose an alternate CQM from the following:
- Childhood Immunization Status
- Weight Assessment and Counseling for Children and Adolescents
- Preventative Care and Screening: Influenza Immunization for Patients 50 Years and Up
3 Additional CQMs
As far as the 3 additional CQMs go, there is a list of 38 to choose from. But here are the 5 that are the most relatable for ODs:
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Optic Nerve Evaluation
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Documentation of Presence or Absence of Macular Edema & Level of Severity of Retinopathy
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Communication with the Physician Managing Ongoing Diabetes Care
- Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation, Medical Assistance: Advising smokers and tobacco users to quit, and discussing cessation medications
- Diabetes: Eye Exam
Stage 2: Report 9 CQMs
Stage 2 of meaningful use starts on January 1, 2014. And it's important to make sure that your EHR software is certified for 2014. Systems that are certified for stage 1 have to be re-certified for 2014, so make sure you check that out!
The biggest difference about reporting on CQMs for stage 2, is that unlike stage 1, there are no core and additional CQMs. Instead you will report on 9 out of the 64 approved CQMs. There are two sets of CQMs, one for children and one for adults.
Recommended Core Measures for Pediatrics
- Appropriate Testing for Children with Pharyngitis
- Weight Assesment and Counseling for Nutrition and Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents
- Chlamydia Screening for Women
- Use of Appropriate Medications for Asthma
- Childhood Immunization Status
- Appropriate Treatment for Children with Upper Respiratory Infection
- ADHD: Follow-Up Care for Children Prescribed Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Medication
- Preventative Care and Screening: Screening for Clinical Depression and Follow-Up Plan
- Children who have Dental Decay or Cavities
- View the Full Table of Recommended Pediatric Measures
Recommended Core Measures for Adults
- Controlling High Blood Pressure
- Use of High-Risk Medications in the Elderly
- Preventative Care and Screening: Screening for Clinical Depression and Follow-Up Plan
- Preventative Care and Screening: Tobacco Use Screening and Cessation Intervention
- Use of Imaging Studies for Low Back Pain
- Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record
- Preventative Care and Screening: Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening and Follow-Up
- Closing the Referral Loop: Receipt of Specialist Report
- Functional Status Assessment for Complex Chronic Conditions
- View the Full Table of Recommended Measures for Adults
Reporting on CQMs
Reporting on CQMs for attestation is done differently depending on whether you start in 2013 or 2014. You have two options for reporting if you started in 2013. Either through Attestation or Electronic Reporting Pilots through PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System).
In 2014 you're required to report CQMs using the new 2014 criteria, regardless of whether you're starting stage 1 or 2. The CMS provides a set of specifications for eCQM reporting. These will contain multiple parts which allow certified EHR technology systems to be programmed to capture, calculate, and report CQMs.
Still have questions? We think the CMS site is the best place to start. Want more information in the future regarding meaningful use? Subscribe to our blog!
