CMS releases clinical quality measures for gastroenterology: 5 highlights

CMS released clinical quality measures for seven different specialties, including gastroenterology. 

Advertisement

Here are five highlights.

1. CMS worked with the American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Medical Association and Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement to develop the quality measures.

2. The six quality measures for gastroenterology include:

• Appropriate follow-up interval for normal colonoscopy in average risk patients
• Colonoscopy interval for patients with a history of adenomatous polyps
• Screening colonoscopy adenoma detection rate
• Age-appropriate screening colonoscopy
• Inflammatory bowel disease preventative care: corticosteroid related iatrogenic injury
• IBD: assessment of hepatitis B virus status before initiating anti-TNF therapy

3. Additionally, there are two hepatitis C measures for the gastroenterology core measure set including:

• Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis
• One-time screening for HCV in patients at risk

4. The quality measures are designed to support consumer decision making, promote evidence-based measurement, increase quality and decrease providers collection burden and cost.

5. “AGA is committed to working with CMS, AHIP and other organizations to develop and validate outcomes-based quality metrics, which are vital to enhance quality and develop fair and appropriate reimbursement for the practice of gastroenterology and hepatology. We will also continue working with EHR vendors to incorporate these and future metrics into EHR systems. The goal of the integration with EHR systems is ultimately to enhance documentation of quality in the practice, which will be integral to the future of value-based payments,” said AGA president Michael Camiller, MD, in an AGA report

Click here to learn more about CMS’ Core Quality Measures Collaborative.

More articles on gastroenterology:

Monarch Specialty Group adds Dr. Howard Schwartz
New guidelines suggest CRC patients undergo postoperative colonoscopy
Alleghany Health Network partners with stool bank for C. diff treatment

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in GI & Endoscopy

  • Birmingham (Ala.) Gastroenterology has opened a clinic in Jasper, Ala., expanding access to digestive health services in the region, the…

  • Premier Health Partners has acquired Dayton, Ohio-based Digestive Specialists, according to a notice posted on the website of law firm…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.