Medicare Shared Savings Program Emphasizes Quality Measurement​

Quality Corner

At Genuine Health Group, we ensure that our physician cohorts and partners stay updated about industry changes, including those regarding quality measurements. On that note, one of the most significant changes in the 2025 Final Rule impacts the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and mandates that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) measure and submit quality data to Medicare.

Historically, ACOs have used the Web Interface for reporting, a system based on manual chart abstractions. Now, ACOs are required to use one of three mechanisms to measure and report quality data through the APM Performance Pathway (APP):

• Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs)

• Medicare Clinical Quality Measures (Medicare CQMs)

• Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Clinical Quality Measures (MIPS CQMs), which is available for at least two more years

This transition marks a significant shift toward digital reporting, emphasizing the importance of electronic medical record (EMR) documentation to ensure accurate data capture and reporting.​

Understanding Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs)

Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) are digital measures that evaluate healthcare quality through data from electronic health records (EHRs) and health IT systems. Unlike manual chart abstraction, eCQMs enable automated, real-time data collection, reducing administrative burden while improving accuracy.

Now, ACOs using eCQMs must ensure:

• Interoperability and Data Standardization: EHR systems must be configured to capture and report eCQMs in a standardized format aligned with CMS requirements.

• Comprehensive Data Integration: Data from multiple sources, including hospitals, specialists, and primary care providers, should be aggregated to ensure a holistic view of patient care.

• Performance Benchmarking: ACOs must compare eCQM data against performance period benchmarks to assess compliance and quality improvement.

The transition to eCQMs presents challenges, including technological investments and workflow adaptations. However, it also offers opportunities for improved patient outcomes, enhanced reporting efficiency, and better alignment with value-based care models.

The Role Of EMR Documentation In Quality Reporting

Accurate and comprehensive EMR documentation is now more critical than ever. As MSSP ACOs transition from manual chart abstractions, organizations must ensure that their EMR systems capture all necessary quality measures. This shift will require investments in training, workflow optimization, and data integrity processes to maintain compliance.

At Genuine Health Group, our physician cohorts benefit from a wide range of support options to assist in optimized outcomes and financial success, which include:

• Coding support and training

• Quality assistance to improve scores

• Marketing support for practice growth and patient retention

• Provider engagement reports

• Resources for patients with chronic conditions

  
  

Adequate EMR documentation plays a key role in shared savings eligibility. Since MSSP participants must meet minimum quality standards to qualify for shared savings, precise and timely documentation ensures that ACOs can accurately report performance and optimize financial incentives.

Genuine Health Group can help with training, compliance, improving patient outcomes, and much more. We encourage you to contact physicianperformance@genuinehealthgroup.com.