Specialties get their own set of PQRS rules, more measures

Why This Topic Matters

PQRS changes can affect how physicians report quality data, what measures they must track, and when Medicare penalties may apply. Understanding the proposed reporting structure helps practices assess operational impact and prepare for compliance changes.

Article Sections

1. PQRS specialty-focused reporting changes

   Discusses the proposed shift toward specialty-specific reporting criteria within PQRS and the broader direction of the 2012 Physician Fee Schedule changes.

2. New measures for specialties

   Summarizes the addition of new measure groups and a larger measure set aimed at specialty participation in quality reporting.

3. EHR reporting made easier

   Covers proposed alignment between PQRS electronic reporting and the EHR incentive program, including how reporting requirements would be structured.

4. Elimination of core measures for non-specialties

   Explains the proposed distinction between specialty and non-specialty reporting expectations and notes issues raised by different reporting methods.

5. No more 6-month reporting period

   Describes the proposal to remove the shorter reporting option for certain submission methods and align reporting periods more closely.

6. Interim reporting system and penalty timing

   Outlines the proposed interim feedback approach and the planned future effective date for the PQRS penalty.

7. Overall impact and implementation challenges

   Provides a general assessment of the proposed changes and notes the operational education challenges that could follow final adoption.