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

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed changes could affect whether practices avoid payment reductions and how they organize quality reporting across providers and reporting systems. Understanding the direction of PQRS policy helps practices plan workflow, coordinate reporting across specialties, and prepare for a more demanding quality reporting environment.

Article Sections

1. Quality reporting

   Introduces the proposed 2015 PQRS changes and the concern that practices may need to prepare earlier to meet revised quality reporting expectations. It frames the article’s focus on program changes affecting Medicare reporting.

2. Add cross-cutting measures to the mix

   Discusses the broader role of cross-cutting measures in the proposed reporting structure and notes how they fit into the overall quality reporting framework. The section focuses on general reporting expectations across encounters and specialties.

3. Prepare for changes to measures groups

   Summarizes proposed revisions to measures groups, including changes to which groups remain available and how group size requirements may change. It emphasizes the need for practices to reassess their reporting options.

4. Expect the number of claims-based measures to drop

   Explains the ongoing shift away from claims-based reporting and describes the growing importance of other reporting pathways. The section also places these changes in the context of broader PQRS reporting adjustments.

5. 2 shortcuts to PQRS success

   Provides practical planning themes for practices as they adapt to the evolving PQRS environment. It focuses on broad strategy considerations for coordinating reporting across providers and systems.

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

   Describes a workflow-oriented approach to aligning reporting choices across a practice. The section focuses on simplifying participation by selecting measures that multiple clinicians can report.

7. Let your EHR do all of the work

   Discusses the role of electronic health record systems in supporting quality reporting preparation. It highlights implementation planning and coordination with vendors for the reporting year ahead.