Ask Linda: PQRI - Ready, set, report

Why This Topic Matters

PQRI reporting affects practice workflow, documentation, and claim preparation, and early implementation can help practices prepare for future Medicare quality-reporting expectations.

Article Sections

1. PQRI overview and program context

   Introduces the Medicare quality-reporting initiative and explains why practices are paying attention to it. It frames the program as part of broader Medicare reporting and reimbursement trends.

2. Cardiology measures encouraged by ACC

   Summarizes the cardiology-focused quality measures discussed by the specialty society. It identifies the broad clinical areas and reporting emphasis for participating practices.

3. Operational challenges for reporting

   Describes practical workflow issues that can arise when collecting quality data and preparing claims. It focuses on coordination between office staff, hospital information, and chart preparation.

4. Prepping records and handling reporting frequency

   Covers the use of tracking tools and chart-based processes for quality reporting. It also addresses planning around measures that may be tracked differently across the reporting period.

5. Diagnosis-related reporting considerations

   Discusses how diagnoses linked to the encounter can affect whether quality reporting is expected on a claim. It highlights the need to review applicable diagnosis groupings and claim combinations.