The National Quality Forum announced the Measure Applications Partnership has issued new reports on quality measurement strategies for a group of hospitals specializing in cancer care; hospice and palliative care providers; and dual eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
The first two reports, requested by HHS, are in response to new requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The PPACA's Medicare Hospice Quality Measurement Program requires hospice programs to publicly report quality data beginning in 2014 or pay a fine. The PPACA also requires 11 hospitals that specialize in cancer care — the Medicare Prospective Payment System-Exempt Cancer Hospitals — to begin publicly reporting quality data in 2014.
The reports suggest measuring aspects of care that are meaningful to patients and their families, such as their experiences of care and pain and symptom management. MAP also recommended measuring patients' transitions from one care setting or care provider to another.
MAP's quality measurement strategy for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, also requested by HHS, is designed to help dual eligibles navigate the complex benefits and rules of these two health plans.
MAP identified several core features of measurement that could provide high-value signals of improvement over time, according to the release. These aspects include the following:
• Individuals' quality of life and functional status, including symptom control, progress toward treatment and recovery goals and eventually psychosocial factors such as level of engagement in community activities.
• Individuals' preferences and experience of care, and engagement in decisions about their care.
• The coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities, particularly when a dual eligible beneficiary transitions from one care setting to another.
• The continual need for follow-up care and the availability of community support services and systems.
• The ongoing management of chronic health conditions and the risks for chronic conditions.
For each area, MAP listed a set of measures specific for dual eligible beneficiaries, such as detecting and treating depression.
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The first two reports, requested by HHS, are in response to new requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The PPACA's Medicare Hospice Quality Measurement Program requires hospice programs to publicly report quality data beginning in 2014 or pay a fine. The PPACA also requires 11 hospitals that specialize in cancer care — the Medicare Prospective Payment System-Exempt Cancer Hospitals — to begin publicly reporting quality data in 2014.
The reports suggest measuring aspects of care that are meaningful to patients and their families, such as their experiences of care and pain and symptom management. MAP also recommended measuring patients' transitions from one care setting or care provider to another.
MAP's quality measurement strategy for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, also requested by HHS, is designed to help dual eligibles navigate the complex benefits and rules of these two health plans.
MAP identified several core features of measurement that could provide high-value signals of improvement over time, according to the release. These aspects include the following:
• Individuals' quality of life and functional status, including symptom control, progress toward treatment and recovery goals and eventually psychosocial factors such as level of engagement in community activities.
• Individuals' preferences and experience of care, and engagement in decisions about their care.
• The coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities, particularly when a dual eligible beneficiary transitions from one care setting to another.
• The continual need for follow-up care and the availability of community support services and systems.
• The ongoing management of chronic health conditions and the risks for chronic conditions.
For each area, MAP listed a set of measures specific for dual eligible beneficiaries, such as detecting and treating depression.
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