Medicare Quality Movement Reaches Clinicians

#40. Osteoporosis: Management Following Fracture: Percentage of patients 50 or older with fracture of the hip, spine, or distal radius who had a central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement ordered or performed or pharmacologic therapy prescribed.

#41. Osteoporosis: Pharmacologic Therapy: Percentage of patients 50 or older with a diagnosis of osteoporosis who were prescribed pharmacologic therapy within 12 months.

#42. Osteoporosis: Counseling for Vitamin D, Calcium Intake, and Exercise: Percentage of patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of osteoporosis who are either receiving both calcium and vitamin D or have been counseled regarding both calcium and vitamin D intake and exercise at least once within 12 months.

The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PRQI) is a voluntary quality reporting program initiated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2007. CMS provides bonus payments to eligible providers who successfully report on applicable PQRI measures. For 2010, rheumatologists who successfully participate in PQRI can earn an incentive payment of 2% of the…

“To Err is Human,” published by the Institute of Medicine in 1999, set off a firestorm of quality initiatives when it announced that at least 44,000 to 98,000 people die in hospitals every year because of medical errors. The first quality initiatives, which were aimed at hospitals, have now trickled down to physician practices. For two years there have been reports of payors moving to a pay-for-performance system or value-based purchasing.

It is not too late to participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PRQI). Participation is voluntary, but providers who participate now will better prepare themselves for probable future reporting requirements while qualifying for an incentive payment from CMS.

Complex requirements and confusion typify start of Medicare quality initiative

Practice Page: What PQRI Means to Rheumatologists

The Quality Movement Explained

Practical Advice for the Rheumatologist on Medicare PQRI

Round One for PQRI

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