Annual Update: 2014 Eligible Professional eCQM Specifications

CMS Posts 2014 Eligible Professional Electronic Clinical Quality Measure Update

The annual update of the 2014 electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) for eligible professionals and corresponding specifications for electronic reporting is now available. CMS updates the specifications annually to ensure that the measure representation and recent code system versions reflect the best understanding of standards and logic, and remain relevant and actionable within the clinical care setting.  In addition, some of the non-substantive changes to the measures were made based on input from the provider and vendor communities.

 

The eCQM specifications are used for multiple programs, such as the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), to align with the EHR Incentive Programs and reduce the burden on providers to report quality measures. 

 

CMS strongly encourages the implementation and use of the updated electronic specifications of the CQMs since they include updated terminologies, logic corrections, and intent clarifications. However, CMS will accept all versions of the CQMs for the EHR Incentive Programs, beginning with those finalized in the December 4, 2012 CMS-ONC Interim Final Rule.

 

Please note, the 2014 updated specifications cannot be used prior to the 2015 EHR Reporting Period.

 

Updated 2014 CQM Resources

To help eligible professionals navigate the updated eCQMs, several resources are available on the eCQM Library page.  Additional eCQM file formats and access to past versions for side by side comparisons are available on the Meaningful Use tab of the United States Health Information Knowledge base(USHIK).

 

EHR CQM Certification

To participate in the EHR Incentive Programs for 2014, a system must at least be certified to the specifications published in the December 2012 Interim Final Rule.