Menu

FAQ Directory

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about NCQA’s various programs. If you don’t see what you are looking for in one of the entries below, you can  ask a question through My NCQA.

Filter Results
  • Save
  • Email
  • Print

5.24.2018 KM 02 Is there a percentage threshold requirement for the 9 items within KM 02

No. The evidence required for KM 02 does not require a report. The practice should outline how it collects and documents this information in its documented process. For evidence of implementation, the practice can demonstrate its process during the virtual check-in, which may include sharing where the information is documented in the patient record.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 01 What kind of report is NCQA looking for as evidence, and what is the required reporting period

Practices should provide a report that demonstrates they update patient problem lists based on visits, transfer of information from other providers or information from the patient. As patient problem lists are expected to be updated at least annually, practices will want to monitor their rate on a periodic basis. Practices define the reporting period and frequency that allows meaningful evaluation of data.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 02 I Do patients of all ages need to be included in this requirement?

No. If a patient is considered an adult by the practice (typically 18 or older), the practice should have an advance care planning discussion with the patient, and the results of that discussion should be documented in the patient medical record.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 02 H What evidence demonstrates use of a developmental screening tool?

Practices must demonstrate:

* An example of the criterion documented in the patient record, and

* A completed developmental screening form. 

or

* A report, and

* A completed developmental screening form. 

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 02 What is the required frequency for a patient health assessment

NCQA does not prescribe a frequency; practices determine the time frame for conducting and updating patient health assessments according to a protocol that suits their patient population, aligns with evidence-based guidelines and allows for meaningful evaluation of data.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 03 Does the practice need to conduct depression screenings for its entire patient population, or only those patients who are symptomatic?

The intent of KM 03 is for the practice to implement universal screening for depression based on guidelines, so all adult and adolescent patients must be included. The practice should have a process to routinely screen patients and the frequency at which the screening is conducted should be based on evidence-based guidelines. The documented process should also include what follow-up occurs for positive screens.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 03 Clarify the language in the guidance stating, “screening for adults for depression with systems in place to assure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and follow-up.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) states that adults and adolescents should be screened for depression when a practice has access to services that can be used for follow-up, if there is a positive result (i.e., mental health providers within the practice or external to the practice to whom the practice can refer patients). To meet KM 03, practices are expected to have an approach to follow up and act on results.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 12 How many activities are required for each item within KM 12?

The practice must demonstrate evidence (i.e., patient list/report and outreach materials) of a service reminder provided within the past year for 3 of the 4 categories/items within KM 12. After achieving Recognition, practices are expected to report on reminders on their Annual Report.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 12 Are practices required to provide a separate letter, phone script or other method for each service needed?

No. Practices may demonstrate the same evidence if:

  • The same method of outreach is used for each service.
  • Practices demonstrate an example of the outreach used. 

Practices must provide information about how the letter, phone script or other method is modified for each service reminder. 

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 QI 02 What do you mean by “resource stewardship”?

By resource stewardship, we mean ensuring responsible use of resources while providing high quality, efficient, patient-centered primary care as it relates measures affecting health care costs and care coordination.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 12 A What are examples of adult preventive services or screenings?

Adult practices may identify lists of patients needing screenings (e.g., mammograms, colorectal screenings), check-up visits, annual lab testing or well-woman visits. 

Preventive measures must encompass a practice’s entire appropriate population (not only patients with chronic conditions [KM 12 C]). The intent of reminding patients of preventive services is for practices to use their systems to identify specific groups of patients in need of services and to improve the quality of care for all patients in the practice.

PCMH 2017

5.24.2018 KM 02 I Is a patient’s advance directive required to be included in the medical record?

No. While advance care planning could include a completed advance directive, it’s not required to meet KM 02. The practice must demonstrate that it documents results of advance care planning discussions with patients to meet this requirement. If a practice has an advance directive on file and documented in the patient medical record, that would also meet the intent.

PCMH 2017