The Basics

Clinical Quality Measures, also known as CQMs, are a mechanism for assessing observations, treatment, processes, experience, and/or outcomes of patient care. In other words, CQMs assess "the degree to which a provider competently and safely delivers clinical services that are appropriate for the patient in an optimal timeframe."1CQMs are required as part of meaningful use requirements for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs.

Clinical Quality Measures and Quality Improvement

Measuring the quality of patient care helps to drive improvements in health care. Specifically, measuring the quality of patient care with CQMs can:

  • Identify areas for quality improvement
  • Identify differences in care/outcomes among various populations
  • Improve care coordination between health care providers2

To Learn More

To learn more about the specifics of CQMs and quality improvement, including requirements for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, see Clinical Quality Measures.

References

  1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "The CMS EHR Incentive Programs: Small-Practice Providers and Clinical Quality Measures [PDF - 512 KB]."
  2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "The CMS EHR Incentive Programs: Small-Practice Providers and Clinical Quality Measures [PDF - 512 KB]."