CMS Reveals List of Value-Based Measures for Consideration

CMS recently announced its annual list of quality and cost measures for consideration for value-based care purchasing programs. A period of pre-rulemaking for quality measures is required under the Affordable Care Act.

This year’s final Measures under Consideration List (MUC) includes 97 measures for consideration that were designed with the intention to improve quality of care across healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices, and dialysis facilities. Measures are focused on patient outcomes, diagnostics and services, costs, and patient safety. More than one third (39%) of the list is made up of outcomes measures. This year, CMS placed increased focus on measures for specialty societies.

CMS submitted the MUC to the National Quality Forum (NQF) to ensure input from stakeholders is considered. The measures proposed may help patients and families select providers and help providers deliver quality care in a cost-effective manner. The NQF will accept comments on the proposed measures on behalf of the Measure Applications Partnership (MAP), which provides insight from experts in the field, patients, and consumers. CMS encourages the public to review the MUC and participate in the MAP review by submitting comments through December 2.