The Physician Quality Reporting System 2015 Changes: Questions and Answers

Why This Topic Matters

It helps eligible professionals, radiology practices, and quality reporting staff understand the scope of 2015 PQRS guidance and how it connects to other Medicare quality programs and reporting structures.

Article Sections

1. Frequently Asked Questions

   An overview of the main PQRS participation topics addressed in the article. It frames the reporting and payment-program questions discussed throughout the FAQ.

2. Question Answer: This is my first time participating in PQRS. What should I do?

   Introductory guidance for new participants and references to getting started with the 2015 program year.

3. Question Answer: Have the 2015 PQRS requirements for an incentive changed? How do you avoid a penalty?

   A discussion of 2015 participation expectations, reporting thresholds, and the relationship between PQRS reporting and downstream payment effects.

4. Question Answer: What is the cross-cutting measure reporting requirement, and how will it impact PQRS participation?

   An explanation of the cross-cutting measure topic for individual reporting and registry-based participation, including how it fits into PQRS reporting pathways.

5. Question Answer: What is a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) and how do I participate?

   A summary of QCDR-related participation issues, including general measure reporting expectations and registry participation context.

6. Question Answer: What are the requirements for reporting as a Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO)?

   Group practice reporting topics are covered here, including available submission methods and general requirements for larger and smaller groups.

7. Question Answer: If unable to meet the reporting requirements for PQRS would I avoid the penalty?

   This section addresses validation and fallback considerations when a practice cannot fully satisfy standard reporting requirements.

8. Question Answer: What measures are relevant to radiologist for 2015 PQRS Reporting? Are there any changes to the measures?

   Radiology-relevant measure availability, measure-group topics, and 2015 measure change updates are discussed, including coding-related changes to certain measure areas.

9. Perioperative Measure Changes

   A focused section on revised perioperative measure coding updates and how those changes are organized in the 2015 reporting context.

10. Question Answer: What is the Value-Based Payment Modifier (VM) program and how does it relate to my participation in the PQRS?

    An overview of the relationship between PQRS participation and the broader Medicare value-based payment framework, including group-level adjustment concepts.