The validation of a disease registry system

Abstract

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging the use of reporting programs to satisfactorily report data on quality measures. In turn, they are offering incentive payments to practices with eligible professionals for compliance. Beginning in 2015, CMS will also apply downward adjustments to payments for those professionals who do not satisfactorily report data on quality measures. A retrospective cohort study from Doctors Hospital Family Practice Center was utilized to evaluate the reliability of the American Osteopathic Association Clinical Assessment Program (AOA-CAP) data registry when compared with data available from Electronic Health Record for process improvement in the care of diabetic patients. There were no statistically significant differences between 2 methods of measuring performance across 3 measures available for comparison, therefore demonstrating the AOA-CAP is a reliable indicator of practice performance against evidence-based guidelines to improve patient outcomes and quality of care. The AOA-CAP offers another method for Physician Quality and Reporting System to submit information to CMS. By embracing compliance, the ultimate goal and utilization of information obtained is patient care quality improvement in the ambulatory center and subsequently permitting the participants to receive incentive payments and avoid payment adjustments.