CMS zaps cataract and ARMD measures from PQRI for 2008

Why This Topic Matters

Practices that report ophthalmology quality measures need to know which PQRI measures are ending and which remain available so they can avoid reporting on discontinued measures and stay aligned with Medicare quality reporting requirements.

Article Sections

1. PQRI measure changes for ophthalmology

   Overview of which eye-related quality measures are no longer available for the next reporting year and which categories continue to be relevant to ophthalmology practices.

2. Available 2008 ophthalmology measures

   Summary of the ophthalmology measures that remain in the program, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy reporting topics and related participation notes.

3. Reporting experience and practice observations

   Comments from a practice about workflow, vendor software acceptance, and the general reporting process for PQRI submissions.

4. CMS rationale and program background

   A brief explanation of the proposed basis for removing certain measures and a recap of PQRI terminology and participation context.

5. PQRI facts

   General informational notes about the PQRI program, including how it is described in Medicare communications, the scope of measures, and broad participation parameters.