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CMS Announces Updates to eCQM Value Sets for 2019 Reporting and Performance Periods

CMS and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) will publish updates to the electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) value sets to align with the most recent releases to terminologies, including, but not limited to, International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 Clinical Modification (CM) and Procedure Coding System (PCS), SNOMED CT, LOINC, RxNorm, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT).

When will the addendum be published and what programs are affected by the addendum?

In September 2018, CMS will publish an addendum to the eCQMs (published in May 2018) to update relevant eCQM value sets for the 2019 reporting/performance year. This addendum will affect the electronic reporting of eCQMs for the following programs:

The Quality Payment Program: Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (Advanced APMs)
Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+)
CMS Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR)
Medicare and Medicaid Promoting Interoperability (PI) program

What changes are included in the addendum?

Changes will only affect the value sets for eCQMs. The Health Quality Measure Format (HQMF) specifications, the value set object identifiers (OIDs), and the measure version numbers for 2019 eCQM reporting will not change.

The changes to the value sets consist of (1) deletion of expired codes, (2) addition of relevant replacement codes, and (3) addition of newly available codes that represent concepts consistent with the intent of the value set and corresponding measure(s).

Where will CMS and NLM post the addendum?

All changes to the eCQM value sets will be available through the NLM’s Value Set Authority Center download tab. The value sets will be available as a complete set, as well as value sets per measure.

Updated measure information, including revised technical release notes, will be available on the eCQI Resource Center website.

What do I need to do?

Measure implementers should review these changes to ensure their submissions comply with the updated requirements.

Where do I go for assistance?

Measure implementers can report questions regarding the addendum, eCQM value sets, and appropriateness of mapping to the ONC eCQM Issue Tracker. Visit the eCQI Resource Centerto review additional frequently asked questions and answers regarding the addendum