CMS’ Identifies Core Set of G-codes for Physician Voluntary Reporting Program
On October 28, 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Physician Voluntary Reporting Program (PVRP) that was instituted on January 3, 2006. This program was originally designed to collect information from physicians on a voluntary basis using 36 evidence-based G-codes to assess quality and provide feedback to individual physicians. However, several physician organizations recommended identifying a starter set of measures derived from the 36 G-codes in order to lessen the potential reporting burden for physicians and to better align the PVRP with other quality measurement activities affecting physicians.
CMS adopted this recommendation and identified a core starter set of 16 G-codes. The G-codes selected are based on measures that are endorsed by the National Quality Forum (NQF) and part of the Ambulatory Care Quality Alliance (AQA) starter set of measures. These measures will also be used by the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) programs for physician quality improvement.
Confidential reports to physicians will be limited to the 16 core measures. Physicians may report clinical data on the remaining 20 G-codes, but will not receive summary reports. CMS intends to further develop and refine the additional 20 G-codes within the PVRP, as well as other measures suggested by physician groups.
To view the PVRP core starter set and read additional information regarding the program, click on the following link:
If you have questions or comments, please contact the
Academy’s national office (312) 464-9700.
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