Democratizing Access to HEDIS Digital Content Advances Digital Quality Measurement

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / May 11, 2023 / The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) today announced it is publishing requirements and open-source software for interpreting and executing clinical quality language (CQL) so any organization or software developer can use HEDIS Digital Content Services.

This action advances digital health care quality measurement by making it easy for developers to understand requirements and test capabilities to work with digital measure content from NCQA. The move is part of NCQA's larger goal of building better health care, better choices and better health by convening and aligning stakeholders around digital quality requirements and testing.

"There is a great need for data sharing and interoperability between payers and providers to ensure timely and accurate measurement of health care quality," said NCQA Chief Technology Officer Edward Yurcisin. "We're advancing the standard so anyone anywhere can use digital quality content from NCQA or other sources."

Clinical Quality Language is an expression language curated by HL7 that CMS, NCQA and others have adopted for digital quality measures. NCQA uses CQL to provide digital HEDIS measure content, including the NCQA Digital Content Services product line launched in early 2023. Incorporating FHIR CQL engine code in open-source code will help organizations use standards-based electronic health data with quality measures and clinical decision support to improve transparency and patient care.

"Sharing FHIR CQL know-how helps diverse organizations and technology stacks support CQL and HEDIS digital content," continued Yurcisin. "That, in turn, helps embed quality in health systems everywhere and will help make FHIR CQL engine code for quality measures faster, more scalable and more extensible."

Firely manages the open-source .NET repository where NCQA will publish CQL software. NCQA and Firely will convene interested parties around requirements and testing.

To learn more about FHIR CQL in support of digital quality measurement, contact the NCQA Digital Quality Community Director.

About NCQA

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA Accredits and Certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. The organization received the prestigious James W. Rouse Excellence in Diversity Award for demonstrating a commitment to promoting a diverse, healthy workplace. NCQA's website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can also be found on Twitter @NCQA and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/NCQA.

Contact Information

Theresa Masnik
SHIFT Communications
ncqa@shiftcomm.com

SOURCE: National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)