Important Updates on PQRI and eRx Incentive Program

The AMA is working closely with CMS to help make improvements to the PQRI program.  As part of this effort, the AMA is seeking comments on the 2008 PQRI individual reports.  Physician engagement at the local level is another critical piece to improving successful participation in not only PQRI, but the eRx incentive program as well.  This email includes a solicitation for comments, information about upcoming PQRI/eRx activities, and website links to 2010 specifications for both PQRI and eRx.  

Request for comments on 2008 PQRI feedback reports

CMS is soliciting comments on the form and content of the individual 2008 PQRI feedback reports i.e. what is helpful or not helpful about the information provided; are they difficult to understand; should certain information be added or subtracted etc.  In an effort to provide meaningful, comprehensive, and timely feedback, please send your comments (no more than one-page) to Jennifer Shevchek in AMA’s Federal Affairs office, at jennifer.shevchek@ama-assn.org.  The deadline to provide comments is COB Tuesday, January 18.  Below for your convenience is a mock 2008 PQRI feedback report. Please note there are three separate excel documents reflecting different summary tables: earned incentive summary for TIN, NPI reporting detail, and NPI performance detail.  Please reference the specific tables in your comments.  Lastly, the below documents are in 2007 Microsoft excel format.  If you are unable to open the documents, you may download at no cost converter software from the Microsoft website located at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en

If this does not work, 2008 PQRI feedback examples are also available on the CMS website located at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/25_AnalysisAndPayment.asp#TopOfPage. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Feedback Report Examples.”  

Upcoming PQRI calls and meetings
Please note the following important PQRI and eRx conference calls and meetings: 

1)   On 1/12/2010 at 1:30-3:30 EST, there will be a National Provider Call.  The topics for this call are:

a.      Program announcements & updates; and

b.     Introduction to 2010 PQRI – How to Get Started.

2)   On 1/14/2010 at 3:30-5:00 EST, there will be a special Open Door Forum focusing on the new group practice reporting option (GPRO) that is available for the 2010 PQRI and eRx Incentive Programs.

3)   On 2/2/2010 there will be a Listening Session (10 am to 4:30 pmEST) to solicit input on the 2011 PQRI.  Although CMS is no longer accepting registrations for participation via teleconference, there is still space to participate in person.  In order to participate in the meeting, you must complete the online registration at http://www.usqualitymeasures.org by no later than 5 pm EST on January 22, 2010.  The Listening Session will be held at CMS headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.  

Additional information regarding these events (including participation instructions) can be found on the CMS Sponsored Calls page of the CMS PQRI website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/04_CMSSponsoredCalls.asp#TopOfPage.  Presentation materials will also be posted on this page as they become available.   

Updates to several 2010 PQRI and eRx measures-related documents
Revised CMS 2010 specification manuals for both the PQRI and eRx incentive programs are now available. For PQRI, please visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/15_MeasuresCodes.asp#TopOfPage, and for eRx please visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ERxincentive.  

2008 PHYSICIAN QUALITY REPORTING INITIATIVE FEEDBACK REPORT

Table 1: Earned Incentive Summary for Taxpayer Identification Number (Tax ID)

Table 2: NPI Reporting Detail

Table 4: NPI Performance Detail

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