2015 PQRS: Prepare for increased requirements, cuts to claims-based measures

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights upcoming reporting changes that could affect whether practices meet Medicare quality reporting expectations and avoid payment reductions. It helps readers understand which parts of their current reporting process may need to change and why planning ahead matters.

Article Sections

1. Overview of proposed PQRS changes

   Introduces the proposed updates to Medicare quality reporting and explains why practices are encouraged to prepare early. It frames the discussion around potential program changes and reporting pressure.

2. Cross-cutting measures

   Describes the added role of cross-cutting measures in the reporting landscape and how they fit into broader quality reporting expectations. The section also addresses how these measures relate to common patient encounters and practice-wide reporting.

3. Changes to measures groups

   Summarizes proposed updates affecting measures groups, including changes in availability and minimum reporting structure. It discusses how these shifts may alter practice-level reporting strategies.

4. Expected decline in claims-based reporting

   Explains the movement away from claims-based submission for individual quality measures and the growing importance of alternative reporting methods. The section notes that practices may need to adapt their workflows and systems.

5. 2 shortcuts to PQRS success

   Presents practical planning ideas for managing reporting across a practice and improving readiness for the coming reporting year. It focuses on general approaches using shared measures and electronic systems.

6. Use cross-cutting measures to create a set everyone can report

   Discusses a practice-wide approach to selecting measures that can be reported more broadly across clinicians. The section emphasizes simplifying reporting selection across different providers.

7. Let your EHR do all of the work

   Covers the increasing importance of electronic health record systems in supporting quality reporting workflows. It highlights the need for practices to coordinate with vendors and prepare systems in advance.