NQF Begins Annual Review of Quality Measures for Use in 20 Federal Programs 

WASHINGTON, DC - The Measure Applications Partnership (MAP), convened each year by the National Quality Forum (NQF) begins its work today to review 202 standardized performance measures (PDF) that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering for use in 20 federal health programs. These pay-for performance and public reporting programs affect the healthcare of more than 50 million Americans enrolled in Medicare as well as the providers that deliver their care.

The full list of measures under consideration (PDF) is now available for public comment.

Established by NQF in 2011, MAP is a forum of approximately 150 healthcare leaders and experts, representing nearly 90 private-sector organizations, who are committed to improving healthcare quality. MAP comprises consumers, purchasers, labor, health plans, clinicians and providers, communities and states, suppliers, and liaisons from seven federal agencies. Working together across multiple committees, the members of MAP ensure that the federal government receives comprehensive and thoughtful input on performance measures for use across federal health programs. MAP reviews the measures through a transparent and deliberative two-month process that is open to the public.

“MAP brings the public and private sectors to consensus on how quality can be measured effectively and efficiently in federal health programs,” said NQF President and CEO Dr. Christine Cassel. “A key goal for MAP is to streamline the measures used by the federal government so that patients receive the quality care they deserve and providers can focus on how best to improve the care they deliver.”

Measures included on the list cover preventative care and a number of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, surgery, and cancer.  The measures can be used across many different medical specialties and types of healthcare providers, from primary care, specialty clinics, hospitals, accountable care organizations and home healthcare. 

In addition to reviewing measures, MAP also provides input to HHS on the quality of care for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the 10 million Americans enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid and adults and children covered by Medicaid.

MAP’s measure recommendations will be available for review and comment starting December 23, 2014.  Additional information about upcoming MAP meetings and events and previous MAP reports to HHS are available online.

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The National Quality Forum leads national collaboration to improve health and healthcare quality through measurement. Learn more at www.qualityforum.org.