News: CMS to make more performance measurement data available to the public
December 22, 2011
CDI Strategies - Volume 5, Issue 27
On December 7, CMS published a final rule in the Federal Register that will give qualified organizations such as employers and consumer groups access to data to help them identify high quality healthcare providers or create online tools to help consumers make educated healthcare choices, according to release.
While the rule includes strict privacy and security requirements to protect patients, health care providers, and suppliers, it is expected to be “a giant step forward” in making the healthcare system in America “more transparent,” said Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator and chief operating officer, in the release. “This provision of the [Affordable Care Act] … will ensure consumer have the access they deserve to information that will help them receive the highest quality care...”
CDI programs should regularly review public reporting sites to evaluate where their facility and physicians stand on quality ratings for common principal diagnoses. Communicating the importance of these to physicians and facility administrators can help illustrate the value of your CDI program, particularly in instances where documentation is the root cause of less than stellar reports.