During measure maintenance, it is important that measure developers analyze measure performance trends, including feedback through help desks and trainings, to determine whether the measure undergoing reevaluation is still the best or most relevant measure, and whether the measure developer needs to address any unintended consequences.
After implementation of measures, the measure developer monitors measures’ performance, responds to ongoing feedback, and continuously scans the environment regarding the measures. For example, for electronic clinical quality measures, the ONC Project Tracking System (Jira) is one method for collecting and monitoring feedback on measure implementation.
In addition, two measure maintenance activities apply to every measure: annual update and a triennial comprehensive reevaluation. A third activity, the early maintenance review, occurs only if there are significant unforeseen problems with the measure, such as a major change in the measure’s scientific evidence base.
Outcomes
CMS uses one of five outcomes following maintenance review of CMS measures. However, some programs may have other possible outcomes and criteria.