Learn More about Reporting Requirements for Query of PDMP Bonus Measure for 2019 Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program

In 2019, the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) finalized a new measure under the Electronic Prescribing objective, the Query of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) measure, in an effort to combat the opioid crisis.

What is a PDMP?

A PDMP is an electronic database that tracks prescriptions of controlled substances at the State level, and they play an important role in patient safety by assisting in the identification of patients who have multiple prescriptions for controlled substances or may be misusing or overusing them. Querying the PDMP is important for tracking the prescribed controlled substances and improving prescribing practices.

In calendar year (CY) 2019, this measure is one of two bonus measures within the Electronic Prescribing objective of the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program. The goal of this measure is to build upon the current PDMP initiatives focused on monitoring the prescribing and dispensing of opioids.

What are the Query of PDMP Measure Requirements?

In 2019, this measure is optional for the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program - those who choose to report on this measure could earn bonus points.

For all eligible hospitals or CAHs who choose to report on this measure, additional details are below:

New: Requires a “Yes/No” attestation (recently finalized in the Fiscal Year 2020 Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule)
- Five (5) bonus points awarded if an eligible hospital or CAH attests “yes” to conducting a query of a PDMP for prescription drug history for one Schedule II opioid that is electronically prescribed using CEHRT during the EHR reporting period (except where prohibited and in accordance with applicable law)
No exclusions will be available as this is an optional measure. The optional reporting status allows for additional time to develop, test, and refine certification criteria and standards and workflows, while working to combat the opioid epidemic.

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