FAQ Directory: Physician and Hospital Quality Certification

In general, if an organization has a measure set in which a subset of the measures apply only to some specialties (broadly including primary care as a specialty), where the methodology and actions are the same (e.g. public reporting in the same manner regardless of specialty), NCQA treats that as one program. However, if there is more than one action (e.g. public reporting, P4P), we may count them as two programs (a public reporting program and P4P program).

PHQ 2013

No. An organization is required to purchase a separate survey tool for every program it brings forward. One program operated by an organization such as a corporate parent without variation from region to region may be surveyed using a single tool. An organization that brings forward more than one program must purchase and submit a separate tool for each discrete program it brings forward.

There is a pricing option for derivative programs a derivative program is defined as a program that shares common aspects (e.g. an organization uses the same measures and methodology for a single defined group of physicians but takes a different action (reporting vs. network tiering) as another program its organization brings forward for certification. NCQA can review common aspects once to streamline the survey process (thus the discounted price), although these are distinct programs. To receive a discount, the programs must be brought forward at the same time. Please see the pricing exhibit in the survey agreement. If you need additional information, please contact NCQA Customer Support at (888) 275-7585.

PHQ 2013

No. NCQA does not evaluate an organizations code; it reviews the organizations measure specifications and compares them to the original source specification (if applicable). Note that to be considered from a standardized source, the measure must be the version specified for the level measured; e.g. HEDIS physician level measures, not plan level measures.

PHQ 2013

No. Changing the referent time period materially alters the measure and would therefore not qualify as a standardized measure for Element A. Patient experience measures endorsed, developed or accepted by the NQF, AMA PCPI, national accreditors or government agencies may be used, but the organization must follow the measure or instrument specifications as written.

PHQ 2013

Neither NQF nor HEDIS provider-level measures specifications require a specific attribution method, although HEDIS measures provide options for an organization to consider. While this might result in variation from one organization to another, there is currently no single industry standard method for attribution.

PHQ 2013

No. The organizations program must consider quality in conjunction with cost, resource use or utilization when taking action. However, if the organization is unable to identify standardized measures of quality for a particular specialty or if there is insufficient data on an individual physician, practice or group the organization can act on cost performance when quality performance is not known. This is allowed in order to maximize the availability of performance information but must be handled in a fully transparent manner so that it is very clear when a physician is designated as high value and when they are purely designated as low cost. Refer to the standards _ specifically the explanation in PQ1 D (on page 51) _ for further explanation.

PHQ 2013

For Element F, the organization must demonstrate that it has a process to verify that it has followed the specifications outlined in Element C (e.g., sample sizes, attribution,statistical validity). If the organization uses a vendor to administer the survey, this process may be performed by the vendor, but documentation demonstrating how the element is met must be included for the PHQ Survey.

PHQ 2013

NCQA does not specify a minimum period after a denial during which an organization may undergo a new review, but the organization must have completed a new cycle of measurement and action in order for NCQA to review it against the standards.

PHQ 2013

For Element F, the organization must demonstrate that it has a process to verify that it has followed the specifications outlined in Element C (e.g., sample sizes, attribution, statistical validity). If the organization uses a vendor to administer the survey, this process may be performed by the vendor, but documentation demonstrating how the element is met must be included for the PHQ Survey.

PHQ 2013

NCQA suggests that organizations submit an application for survey at least 180 calendar days in advance of the date requested for their Initial Survey, but preferably applications will be submitted further in advance. Organizations should indicate their preferred survey date and NCQA will accommodate them if possible.

PHQ 2013

An organization can use the PDF version of the standards to assess readiness to undergo a survey, but in order to undergo a survey it must purchase and use the Web-based Interactive Survey System (ISS) Tool. To purchase the PDF version of the standards or the Survey Tool, visit the NCQA Web site (www.ncqa.org) or contact Customer Service at 888-275-7585.

PHQ 2013

Yes. Plans that use patient experience measures must measure at least every two years to receive credit for this element.

PHQ 2013