Quality Measures and Performance Standards

The latest information about Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) quality measures, including quality measure specifications and other measures-related documentation for entities entering into agreements in 2012.

The following documents are for the 2012 calendar year quality measure reporting period:

• 2012 ACO Narrative Quality Measures Specifications Manual [PDF, 568KB] - This document provides guidance about the 33 required quality measures that are part of the quality performance standard, including the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) patient experience survey measures, claims-based measures, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program measure, and the required Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO) web interface quality measures that are required for purposes of ACO participants earning a Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) incentive under the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
• Guide to ACO Participation in the 2012 Physician Quality Reporting System and Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program [PDF, 134KB] - This document provides guidance about Medicare Shared Savings Program and Pioneer ACO participation in the 2012 Physician Quality Reporting System and Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program.
• CG CAHPS for ACOs – Field Test Survey Content by Survey Domain Overview [PDF, 545KB] - This document provides information to ACO providers, participants and other stakeholders about the content and organization of the Clinician & Group CAHPS for Accountable Care Organizations Field Test Survey.
• ACO GPRO Supporting Documents July 2012 [ZIP, 749KB] - These documents provide the technical specifications for the ACO quality measures that will be reported using the Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO) web interface.
• Guide to Quality Performance Standards for Accountable Care Organizations Starting in 2012: Pay for Reporting and Pay for Performance [PDF, 121KB] - This document provides information about two quality performance standards, pay for reporting and pay for performance for ACOs with a 2012 start date participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
• Guide to Quality Measurement for Accountable Care Organizations Starting in 2012: Agreement Period, Performance Year, and Reporting Period [PDF, 113KB] - This document provides clarification on the quality reporting timeframes and reporting requirements for ACOs with a 2012 start date participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.