Medicare's Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Continues for 2009
Medicare providers who participate in the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) in 2009 will be eligible for incentive payment of up to 2%.
The 2009 PQRI details were outlined in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which was published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2008.1 For 2009, there are 53 new quality measures, including 18 that may be reported through registries. Among the 2009 quality measures are several addressing rheumatoid arthritis:
- #108 - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) Therapy
- #176 - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Tuberculosis Screening
- #177 - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Periodic Assessment of Disease Activity
- #178 - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Functional Status Assessment
- #179 - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Assessment and Classification of Disease Prognosis
- #180 - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Glucocorticoid Management2
For more information on 2009 quality measures, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/.
1 73 Federal Register 69725, 70238 (2008).
2 CMS. 2009 PQRI Measures List. Version 3.0. Updated November 18, 2008.
Coverage policies may vary by insurer or even between plans offered by the same insurer. This information is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide reimbursement or legal advice. Laws, regulations, and policies concerning reimbursement are complex and are updated frequently. While we have made an effort to be current, the information may not be as current or comprehensive when you view it. Please consult with your counsel or reimbursement specialist for any reimbursement or billing questions.