Health care stakeholders have expressed interest in being
able to consistently identify and track measures and their related versions,
including eMeasures, along the measure development, endorsement, and use
pipeline. HHS has contracted with the National Quality Forum (NQF) to explore
key issues and considerations for a single system or approach to gathering,
storing, and accessing measure information. This project is titled the Measure Registry Needs Assessment. In its role as a neutral
convener, NQF will gather perspectives and information from any interested
stakeholders across the quality measurement enterprise. The information
gathered through this process will be publicly available for review and use by
any individual or organization.
NBCH has been asked to participate in some initial meetings
with NQF staff. We have emphasized that
the registry should be created with the end-user in mind – particularly
employers and consumers – rather than with the measures developers in mind,
which was CMS’s original intent. Our recommendation is that NQF use this as an
opportunity to boost use of measures by employers and consumer groups.
In order to give further voice to that recommendation, all
coalitions are invited to participate in a webinar with NQF on Thursday, July
26 at 1:00 (eastern). This is a great
opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns about measure use. Specifically, coalitions may want to
emphasize the following points:
·
The need to link measure information with use
and impact.
·
The registry will be most helpful if it has the functionality
to generate reports and aggregated results about which measures are currently
in use for cost and quality transparency and payment in both the public and
private sector
·
Coalitions could also simply express the need to
have implementation guidance for measure specifications.
These and any additional topics or issues for discussion
would be welcomed by NQF. Don’t miss
this opportunity to provide a unique and valuable perspective on behalf of your
employer members!
Finally, NBCH is exploring ways to support our members in your efforts to use measures in your activities. We request your input on these
ideas, and your feedback about whether this would be a valuable resource for
you. Please email Colleen with your thoughts, and we will discuss them at the
next all member meeting on August 21, 2012.
