What do the different classifications of Quality Measures mean (Outcome, High Priority, Process)?

Process Measures - Process measures show what doctors and other clinicians do to maintain or improve health, either for healthy people or those diagnosed with a given condition or disease.  These measures usually reflect generally accepted recommendations for clinical practice.  Process measures can tell consumers about medical care they should receive for a given condition or disease, and can help improve health outcomes.

Outcome Measures - Outcome measures show how a health care service or intervention influences the health status of patients. Examples:  The % of patients who died becauses of surgery or the rate of surgical complications or hospital acquired infections.  Outcome measures are the result of many factors, some of which may be out of a clinician's control. An Outcome Measure is also classified as High Priority.  CMS asks for an Outcome Measure to be reported as part of the 6 total measures (if one is applicable).

High priority Measures - High priority measures include the following categories of measures:  Outcome, Appropriate Use, Patient Experience, Patient Safety, Efficiency measures, Care coordination.

 

 

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