CMS Issues More Answers to EHR Incentive Program Questions

Question: For some of the eligible professional (EP) clinical quality measures (CQMs), there are look back periods or look forward periods for which data was not available. How are these CQMs calculated for the reporting period?

Answer: CQMs that include look back periods or look forward periods may require data outside of the reporting period of a CMS quality reporting program. Read the complete answer and general guidelines.

Question: Why does the result of the clinical quality measure for CMS140v2 not accurately reflect an accurate performance rate upon calculation according to the measure logic in the specification?

Answer: An error has been found in the logic for CMS140v2, Breast Cancer Hormonal Therapy for Stage IC-IIIC Estrogen Receptor/Progesterone Receptor (ER/PR) Positive Breast Cancer (NQF 0387). This version of the measure was posted on CMS’s website on June 29, 2013, after an annual update of the 2014 eligible professional (EP) clinical quality measures (CQMs). Read the complete answer.

Question: In calculating the meaningful use objectives requiring patient action, if a patient sends a message or accesses his/her health information made available by their EP, can the other EPs in the practice get credit for the patient’s action in meeting the objectives?

Answer:  Yes. This “halo” effect applies to the Secure Messaging and the 2nd measure of the Patient Access (View, Download and Transmit) core objectives. Read the complete answer.

Question:  When reporting on the Summary of Care objective in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program, how is a transition of care defined and which transitions would count toward the numerator of the measures?

Answer: A transition of care is defined as the movement of a patient from one setting of care (hospital, ambulatory, primary care practice, ambulatory specialty care practice, long-term care, home health, rehabilitation facility) to another.  To count toward the Summary of Care objective, the transition or referral must take place with a separate group practice or hospital institution that does not share the same certified EHR technology (CEHRT). Read the complete answer.

See more CMS FAQs published on next pages.