The U.S. healthcare system has long struggled with establishing an efficient and effective process for storing and sharing patients’ medical information, but the adoption of the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources standard, known as FHIR, is now paving the way for transformative change in this area. FHIR is not only a solution for the seamless exchange of health information but also can alleviate the burden on providers who need to adhere to various quality data reporting mandates. In this article, we'll explain what FHIR is, how it can ease quality data reporting compliance in programs like the Merit-based Payment Incentive System (MIPS) and the Alternative Payment Model Performance Pathway (APP), and what healthcare providers can do today to connect with FHIR.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) will be required to report electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) or MIPS CQMs beginning in 2025 after the CMS Web Interface sunsets. The shift towards a new reporting method has significant implications for ACOs, so understanding how quality will be reported and assessed is critical. In this article, we will cover what ACOs need to know about the new reporting requirements and why gaining early experience with the measures can lead to better reporting results in the future.