We Welcome Your Comments! Public Comment Period Runs July 16 – August 10

July 16, 2018 · Sepheen Byron

NCQA is considering making changes to the release date for our HEDIS measures and we are hosting a public comment period, looking to our stakeholders for input.

First, Some Background

Public Comment Period is Open July 16 – August 10

Most already know, but it bears repeating…the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®) is a widely used tool to compare health plans on important dimensions of health care. HEDIS consists of measures that assess whether people receive recommended care, such as screenings to promote early detection of cancer, or medications to control asthma.

HEDIS is released every year on July 1 during the measurement year. This date gives health plans an opportunity to submit the previous year’s measurement results (in mid-June) and then turn to the current measurement year.

However, NCQA has been investigating the possibility of releasing measures earlier. As HEDIS has become an important quality improvement tool, an earlier release date would give those providing and assessing care earlier notification — and better understanding — of what they will be measured on.

This is where we can use your input. NCQA is inviting the public to comment on this proposed change to the release date. In determining this change, we have sought to strike a balance among several competing priorities: the desire for earlier notification, speed-to-market with any needed updates, and alignment with other activities in which measure users are engaged. We look forward to hearing comments from our valued stakeholders.

How to Participate in Public Comment

Please go to this website for details on the proposed changes and to make your comments.

The public comment period begins at 12:00 PM (EST) on July 16 and ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on August 10.

Thank you!