decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2007 Issue 12 (December)
2008 PQRI specifications for new measures released
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article covers the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) specifications released by CMS and the practical reporting context around them. It is relevant to physicians, non-physician practitioners, and practice staff who follow Medicare quality reporting requirements or plan to participate in PQRI. The article discusses the broader policy direction toward pay-for-performance, the availability of new and structural measures, timing for 2007 and 2008 payments, and the process for requesting minor measure changes before year-end. It also notes general reporting considerations and points readers to CMS and AMA resources for measure maintenance and program information.
Why This Topic Matters
PQRI participation affects Medicare quality reporting and future payment compliance. Understanding the 2008 specifications helps practices identify reporting opportunities, monitor deadlines, and prepare for evolving quality-based reimbursement programs.
Article Sections
-
Program context and 2008 changes
Introduces the 2008 PQRI environment, the CMS perspective on quality reporting, and the broader shift toward performance-based payment. Summarizes the increased number of measures and the types of clinicians the program is meant to include.
-
Measure specifications and maintenance window
Explains that CMS released reporting specifications for the measures and notes that only limited revisions may still be possible before the year ends. References the process for requesting changes through measure maintainers and related professional resources.
-
Payment timing and reporting deadlines
Covers timing issues for 2007 participation results and 2008 program payment, including when claims must be received and how payments are issued. Also notes the absence of interim reporting.
-
Measure selection considerations for practitioners
Discusses general concerns about finding applicable measures, especially for certain specialties, and mentions broad reporting categories that may help participation. Includes a brief reminder about a reporting modifier used in the program.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS framed the 2008 PQRI program update
- What types of reporting measures were added or emphasized
- How the article describes payment timing and claim submission windows
- What options are mentioned for clinicians who need broadly applicable reporting measures
- How the article describes the process for requesting measure changes
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Non-physician practitioners
- Medical practice managers
- Medical coders
- Quality reporting staff
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com