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

CMS-1403-FC
disease (IVD), cardiovascular disease and stroke care,
stroke treatment, osteoporosis, and oral drug therapy. One
commenter noted that the proposed measures groups are
applicable to physicians only and encouraged us to consider
other eligible professionals as new measures groups are
identified. Some commenters suggested specific measures
for inclusion in their suggested measures groups, but many
commenters did not suggest specific groups of at least 4
measures.
Response: While we welcome the additional measures groups
suggested by commenters, we are not able to consider such
additional measures groups for inclusion in the 2009 PQRI
since there is no opportunity for public comment on the
measures groups’ potential inclusion in the 2009 PQRI.
However, to the extent that commenters suggested specific
measures for inclusion in a particular measures group, we
will take the commenters’ suggestions into consideration
for purposes of identifying measures groups for possible
inclusion in future years’ PQRI.
As stated in the CY 2009 PFS proposed rule (73 FR
38560), each measures group suggested by commenters must
contain at least 4 measures and must consist of the
proposed measures cited in section II.O.4. of the proposed
rule, “Proposed 2009 PQRI Quality Measures.” The measures
646