Notice: This CMS-approved document has been submitted - Philips ...

CMS-1403-FC
assigning all measures to clinical area groups; providing
an appeal process for eligible professionals who
participate but are not deemed to be successful; and
ensuring greater transparency in all aspects of the program
including, but not limited to, in the measure selection
process, in the provision of feedback, and in the
implementation of the pertinent MIPPA provisions.
Response: We appreciate and value the constructive
feedback that we have received from the wide variety of
commenters who have provided insights and information and
partnered with us to disseminate information about PQRI.
As reflected in the variety of reporting options that we
are making available for the 2009 PQRI and the expansion of
measures groups, it is our desire to allow as many eligible
professionals to participate with as little additional
burden as possible. To the extent that we find it
practical, feasible, and appropriate to implement the
commenters’ suggestions, we would do so via notice and
comment rulemaking for future years’ PQRI.
With respect to the commenters’ suggestion to provide
an appeals process for eligible professionals who
participate but are not deemed to be successful, we note
that section 1848(m)(5)(e) of the Act, as amended by MIPPA,
provides that with respect to the PQRI there shall be no
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