Appropriate Treatment for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)

Measure Information	2024 Reporting Period	2025 Reporting Period	2026 Reporting Period	2027 Reporting Period
Title	Appropriate Treatment for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)	Appropriate Treatment for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)	Appropriate Treatment for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)	Appropriate Treatment for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)
CMS eCQM ID	CMS996v4	CMS996v5	CMS996v6	CMS996v7
CBE ID*	3613e	3613e	3613e	3613e
Measure Steward	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Description	Percentage of emergency department (ED) encounters for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that received appropriate treatment, defined as fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of ED arrival, or transfer within 45 minutes of ED arrival	Percentage of emergency department (ED) encounters for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that received appropriate treatment, defined as fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of ED arrival, or transfer within 45 minutes of ED arrival	Percentage of emergency department (ED) encounters for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that received appropriate treatment, defined as fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of ED arrival, or discharge to an acute care facility within 45 minutes of ED arrival	Percentage of emergency department (ED) encounters for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that received appropriate treatment, defined as thrombolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of ED arrival, or discharge to an acute care facility within 45 minutes of ED arrival
Measure Scoring	Proportion	Proportion	Proportion	Proportion
Measure Type	Process	Process	Process	Process
Stratification	None	None	None	None
Risk Adjustment	None	None	None	None
Rationale	Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Sohlpour & Yusuf, 2014; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists’ Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O’Connor et al., 2010). The total ischemic time—that is, the time from onset of STEMI symptoms to the initiation of some form of reperfusion therapy—is the principal determinant of health outcomes for patients with an AMI, so timely care is essential to minimize disease morbidity and mortality. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment approach, with guidelines recommending initiation of PCI within 120 minutes from first medical contact (O’Gara et al., 2013). In situations where it is unlikely or impossible for a patient to receive primary PCI within the 120-minute timeframe, fibrinolytic therapy may be used for reperfusion and should be rapidly administered to reduce mortality and minimize morbidity; guidelines recommend that fibrinolytic therapy administration occur within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; this may also require rapid transfer for PCI (O’Gara et al., 2013). Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines, while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the proposed eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.	Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Sohlpour & Yusuf, 2014; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists’ Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O’Connor et al., 2010). The total ischemic time—that is, the time from onset of STEMI symptoms to the initiation of some form of reperfusion therapy—is the principal determinant of health outcomes for patients with an AMI, so timely care is essential to minimize disease morbidity and mortality. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment approach, with guidelines recommending initiation of PCI within 120 minutes from first medical contact (O’Gara et al., 2013). In situations where it is unlikely or impossible for a patient to receive primary PCI within the 120-minute timeframe, fibrinolytic therapy may be used for reperfusion and should be rapidly administered to reduce mortality and minimize morbidity; guidelines recommend that fibrinolytic therapy administration occur within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; this may also require rapid transfer for PCI (O’Gara et al., 2013). Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines, while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the proposed eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.	Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Solhpour & Yusuf, 2013; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists’ Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O’Connor et al., 2010). The total ischemic time—that is, the time from onset of STEMI symptoms to the initiation of some form of reperfusion therapy—is the principal determinant of health outcomes for patients with an AMI, so timely care is essential to minimize disease morbidity and mortality. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment approach, with guidelines recommending initiation of PCI within 120 minutes from first medical contact (O’Gara et al., 2013). In situations where it is unlikely or impossible for a patient to receive primary PCI within the 120-minute timeframe, fibrinolytic therapy may be used for reperfusion and should be rapidly administered to reduce mortality and minimize morbidity; guidelines recommend that fibrinolytic therapy administration occur within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; this may also require rapid transfer for PCI (O’Gara et al., 2013). Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines, while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.	Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Solhpour & Yusuf, 2013; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists' Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O'Connor et al., 2010). The total ischemic time—that is, the time from onset of STEMI symptoms to the initiation of some form of reperfusion therapy—is the principal determinant of health outcomes for patients with an AMI, so timely care is essential to minimize disease morbidity and mortality. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment approach, with guidelines recommending initiation of PCI within 120 minutes from first medical contact (O'Gara et al., 2013). In situations where it is unlikely or impossible for a patient to receive primary PCI within the 120-minute timeframe, fibrinolytic therapy may be used for reperfusion and should be rapidly administered to reduce mortality and minimize morbidity; guidelines recommend that fibrinolytic therapy administration occur within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; this may also require rapid transfer for PCI (O'Gara et al., 2013). Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care, furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.
Clinical Recommendation Statement	Primary PCI in STEMI: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration." - "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration who have contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy, irrespective of the time delay from first medical contact." Fibrinolytic Therapy when there is an Anticipated Delay to Performing Primary PCI within 120 Minutes of First Medical Contact: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - "In the absence of contraindications, fibrinolytic therapy should be given to patients with STEMI and onset of ischemic symptoms within the previous 12 hours when it is anticipated that primary PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact.” Transfer to a PCI-Capable Hospital after Fibrinolytic Therapy: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - Immediate transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is recommended for suitable patients with STEMI who develop cardiogenic shock or acute severe HF, irrespective of the time delay from MI onset. - Urgent transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who demonstrate evidence of failed reperfusion or reocclusion after fibrinolytic therapy. - Transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who have received fibrinolytic therapy even when hemodynamically stable and with clinical evidence of successful reperfusion. Angiography can be performed as soon as logistically feasible at the receiving hospital, and ideally within 24 hours, but should not be performed within the first 2 to 3 hours after administration of fibrinolytic therapy.	Primary PCI in STEMI: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration." - "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration who have contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy, irrespective of the time delay from first medical contact." Fibrinolytic Therapy when there is an Anticipated Delay to Performing Primary PCI within 120 Minutes of First Medical Contact: The 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF)/American Heart Association(AHA) clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - "In the absence of contraindications, fibrinolytic therapy should be given to patients with STEMI and onset of ischemic symptoms within the previous 12 hours when it is anticipated that primary PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact.” Transfer to a PCI-Capable Hospital after Fibrinolytic Therapy: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - Immediate transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is recommended for suitable patients with STEMI who develop cardiogenic shock or acute severe heart failure (HF), irrespective of the time delay from MI onset. - Urgent transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who demonstrate evidence of failed reperfusion or reocclusion after fibrinolytic therapy. - Transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who have received fibrinolytic therapy even when hemodynamically stable and with clinical evidence of successful reperfusion. Angiography can be performed as soon as logistically feasible at the receiving hospital, and ideally within 24 hours, but should not be performed within the first 2 to 3 hours after administration of fibrinolytic therapy.	Primary PCI in STEMI: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration." - "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration who have contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy, irrespective of the time delay from first medical contact." Fibrinolytic Therapy when there is an Anticipated Delay to Performing Primary PCI within 120 Minutes of First Medical Contact: The 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF)/American Heart Association (AHA) clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - "In the absence of contraindications, fibrinolytic therapy should be given to patients with STEMI and onset of ischemic symptoms within the previous 12 hours when it is anticipated that primary PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact.” Transfer to a PCI-Capable Hospital after Fibrinolytic Therapy: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: - Immediate transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is recommended for suitable patients with STEMI who develop cardiogenic shock or acute severe heart failure (HF), irrespective of the time delay from MI onset. - Urgent transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who demonstrate evidence of failed reperfusion or reocclusion after fibrinolytic therapy. - Transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who have received fibrinolytic therapy even when hemodynamically stable and with clinical evidence of successful reperfusion. Angiography can be performed as soon as logistically feasible at the receiving hospital, and ideally within 24 hours, but should not be performed within the first 2 to 3 hours after administration of fibrinolytic therapy.	Primary PCI in STEMI: The 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF)/American Heart Association (AHA) clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours' duration." "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours' duration who have contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy, irrespective of the time delay from first medical contact." Fibrinolytic Therapy when there is an Anticipated Delay to Performing Primary PCI within 120 Minutes of First Medical Contact: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: "In the absence of contraindications, fibrinolytic therapy should be given to patients with STEMI and onset of ischemic symptoms within the previous 12 hours when it is anticipated that primary PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact." Transfer to a PCI-Capable Hospital after Fibrinolytic Therapy: The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that: Immediate transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is recommended for suitable patients with STEMI who develop cardiogenic shock or acute severe heart failure (HF), irrespective of the time delay from myocardial infarction (MI) onset. Urgent transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who demonstrate evidence of failed reperfusion or reocclusion after fibrinolytic therapy. Transfer to a PCI-capable hospital for coronary angiography is reasonable for patients with STEMI who have received fibrinolytic therapy even when hemodynamically stable and with clinical evidence of successful reperfusion. Angiography can be performed as soon as logistically feasible at the receiving hospital, and ideally within 24 hours, but should not be performed within the first 2 to 3 hours after administration of fibrinolytic therapy.
Improvement Notation	Improvement noted as an increase in the rate	Improvement noted as an increase in the rate	Increased score indicates improvement	Increased score indicates improvement
Definition	None	None	None	None
Guidance	This eCQM is an episode-based measure and should be reported for each instance of an ED encounter during the measurement period for patients with a STEMI. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.	This eCQM is an episode-based measure and should be reported for each instance of an ED encounter during the measurement period for patients with a STEMI. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.	In order to support the best outcomes for patients and align with other guidelines, PCI device deployment time should be used for calculating the “PCI is performed within 90 minutes of ED arrival” numerator criteria and not the start time of the procedure. This eCQM is an episode-based measure and should be reported for each instance of an ED encounter during the measurement period for patients with a STEMI. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.	In order to support the best outcomes for patients and align with other guidelines, PCI device deployment time should be used for calculating the "PCI is performed within 90 minutes of ED arrival" numerator criteria and not the start time of the procedure. This eCQM is an episode-based measure and should be reported for each instance of an ED encounter during the measurement period for patients with a STEMI. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.
Initial Population	All emergency department encounters for patients 18 years and older at the start of the encounter with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during an Emergency Department encounter that ends during the measurement period	All emergency department encounters for patients 18 years and older at the start of the encounter with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during an Emergency Department encounter that ends during the measurement period	All emergency department encounters for patients 18 years and older at the start of the encounter with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during an Emergency Department encounter that ends during the measurement period	All ED encounters for patients 18 years and older at the start of the encounter with a diagnosis of STEMI during an ED encounter that ends during the measurement period
Denominator	Equals Initial Population	Equals Initial Population	Equals Initial Population	Equals Initial Population
Denominator Exclusions	Patients with the following conditions are excluded from measure denominator: During ED encounter: - Allergic reaction to alteplase, streptokinase, anistreplase, tenecteplase, or reteplase At the start of ED encounter: - Bleeding or bleeding diathesis (excluding menses) - Known malignant intracranial neoplasm (primary or metastatic) - Known structural cerebral vascular lesion (e.g., arteriovenous malformation) - Advanced dementia - Pregnancy - Active oral anticoagulant therapy Within 24 hours before start of ED encounter or during ED encounter: - Aortic dissection or ruptured aortic aneurysm - Severe neurologic impairment - Mechanical circulatory assist device placement, including: aortic balloon pump, biventricular assist device, intra-aortic balloon, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pump, left ventricular device, percutaneous ventricular assist device, or ventricular assist device - Intubation, including endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasotracheal intubation, or orotracheal intubation - Cardiopulmonary arrest, including: cardiac arrest, CPR, defibrillation, respiratory arrest, or ventricular fibrillation (V-fib), ventricular tachycardia (VT), or pulseless electrical activity (PEA); or, traumatic or prolonged (>10 minutes) CPR Within 21 days before start of or starts during ED encounter: - Major surgery Within 90 days before start of or at start of ED encounter: - Ischemic stroke - Significant facial and/or closed head trauma - Peptic ulcer Within 90 days before start of ED encounter: - Intracranial or intraspinal surgery Expired in the ED	Patients with the following conditions are excluded from measure denominator: At some point during ED encounter: - Allergic reaction to alteplase, streptokinase, anistreplase, tenecteplase, or reteplase Starts before the start of ED encounter and does not end before ED encounter: - Bleeding or bleeding diathesis (excluding menses) - Known malignant intracranial neoplasm (primary or metastatic) - Known structural cerebral vascular lesion (e.g., arteriovenous malformation) - Advanced dementia - Pregnancy - Diagnosis of allergy to thrombolytics At the start of ED encounter, or most recent dose within 90 days or less of ED encounter: -Active oral anticoagulant therapy Occurs 24 hours or less before start of ED encounter or during ED encounter: - Aortic dissection or ruptured aortic aneurysm - Severe neurologic impairment - Mechanical circulatory assist device placement, including: aortic balloon pump, biventricular assist device, intra-aortic balloon, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pump, left ventricular device, percutaneous ventricular assist device, or ventricular assist device - Intubation, including endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasotracheal intubation, or orotracheal intubation - Cardiopulmonary arrest, including: cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, respiratory arrest, or ventricular fibrillation (V-fib), ventricular tachycardia (VT), or pulseless electrical activity (PEA); or, traumatic or prolonged (>10 minutes) CPR Occurs 21 days or less before start of or starts during ED encounter: - Major surgery Occurs 90 days before start of or at start of ED encounter: - Ischemic stroke - Significant facial and/or closed head trauma - Peptic ulcer Occurs 90 days or less before start of ED encounter: - Intracranial or intraspinal surgery With a discharge disposition of patient expired in the ED	Patients with the following conditions are excluded from measure denominator: At some point during ED encounter: - Allergic reaction to alteplase, streptokinase, anistreplase, tenecteplase, or reteplase Starts before the start of ED encounter and does not end before ED encounter: - Bleeding or bleeding diathesis (excluding menses) - Known malignant intracranial neoplasm (primary or metastatic) - Known structural cerebral vascular lesion (e.g., arteriovenous malformation) - Advanced dementia - Pregnancy - Diagnosis of allergy to thrombolytics At the start of ED encounter or within 90 days or less of ED encounter: -Active oral anticoagulant therapy Occurs 24 hours or less before start of ED encounter or during ED encounter: - Aortic dissection or ruptured aortic aneurysm, Angina pectoris with documented spasm, Aneurysm of heart, Ventricular aneurysm due to and following acute myocardial infarction, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or syndrome - Severe neurologic impairment - Mechanical circulatory assist device placement or removal, including: aortic balloon pump, biventricular assist device, intra-aortic balloon, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pump, left ventricular device, percutaneous ventricular assist device, or ventricular assist device - Intubation, including endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasotracheal intubation, or orotracheal intubation - Cardiopulmonary arrest, including: cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, respiratory arrest, or ventricular fibrillation (V-fib), ventricular tachycardia (VT), or pulseless electrical activity (PEA); or, traumatic or prolonged (>10 minutes) CPR Occurs 21 days or less before start of or starts during ED encounter: - Major surgery Occurs within 90 days before start of or at start of ED encounter: - Ischemic stroke - Significant facial and/or closed head trauma - Peptic ulcer Occurs 90 days or less before start of ED encounter: - Intracranial or intraspinal surgery With a discharge disposition of patient expired in the ED With a discharge disposition of left against medical advice With documentation of hospice services in the 6 months within start of ED encounter, or active hospice status at start of ED encounter	ED encounters for patients meeting any of the following criteria are excluded from measure denominator: Active at start of ED encounter: Bleeding or bleeding diathesis, excluding menses Malignant intracranial neoplasm (primary or metastatic) Cerebral vascular lesion (e.g., arteriovenous malformation) Starts and continues during the ED encounter or is recorded before the end of ED encounter: Allergic reaction to alteplase, streptokinase, anistreplase, tenecteplase, or reteplase Diagnosis of allergy to thrombolytic Diagnosis of dementia At the start of ED encounter or within 90 days or less of ED encounter: Active oral anticoagulant therapy Starts 24 hours or less before start of ED encounter or during ED encounter: Aortic dissection or ruptured aortic aneurysm Angina pectoris with documented spasm Aneurysm of heart Cardiopulmonary arrest, including: cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, ventricular fibrillation (V-fib), sustained or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), or pulseless electrical activity (PEA) Severe neurologic impairment Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or syndrome Ventricular aneurysm due to and following acute myocardial infarction Intubation, including: endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasotracheal intubation, or orotracheal intubation Mechanical circulatory assist device placement or removal, including: aortic balloon pump, biventricular assist device, intra-aortic balloon, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pump, left ventricular device, percutaneous ventricular assist device, or ventricular assist device Starts 21 days or less before start of or starts during ED encounter: Major surgery Starts 90 days or less before or at start of ED encounter: Ischemic stroke Significant facial and/or closed head trauma Peptic ulcer Intracranial or intraspinal surgery With a discharge disposition of patient expired in the ED With a discharge disposition of left against medical advice (LAMA) With documentation of hospice services in the 6 months prior to the start of ED encounter, or active hospice status at start of ED encounter
Numerator	Emergency department encounters with a diagnosis of STEMI: - where time from ED arrival to fibrinolysis is 30 minutes or fewer; OR - where PCI is performed within 90 minutes of arrival for non-transfer patients; OR - where the patient is transferred within 45 minutes of ED arrival	Emergency department encounters with a diagnosis of STEMI: - where time from ED arrival to fibrinolysis is 30 minutes or fewer; OR - where PCI is performed within 90 minutes of arrival; OR - where the patient is transferred within 45 minutes of ED arrival	Emergency department encounters with a diagnosis of STEMI: - where time from ED arrival to fibrinolysis is 30 minutes or fewer; OR - where PCI is performed within 90 minutes of arrival; OR - where the patient is discharged to an acute care facility within 45 minutes of ED arrival	ED encounters for patients with a diagnosis of STEMI: where time from ED arrival to thrombolytic therapy is 30 minutes or fewer; OR where PCI is performed within 90 minutes of arrival; OR where the patient is discharged to an acute care facility within 45 minutes of ED arrival
Numerator Exclusions	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	None	None
Denominator Exceptions	None	Emergency department encounters where the patient received fibrinolytic therapy at another facility within 24 hours.	Emergency department encounters where the patient received fibrinolytic therapy at another facility within 24 hours. Emergency department encounters with a documented reason for not administering fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival. Emergency department encounters with a documented reason for not performing a PCI within 90 minutes of ED arrival.	ED encounters where patient received thrombolytic therapy within 24 hours or less before the start of ED encounter ED encounters with a documented reason for not administering thrombolytic therapy ED encounters with a documented reason for not performing a PCI
Next Version	CMS996v5	CMS996v6	CMS996v7	No Version Available
Previous Version	No Version Available	CMS996v4	CMS996v5	CMS996v6

Measure Information

2024 Reporting Period

2025 Reporting Period

2026 Reporting Period

2027 Reporting Period

Title

Appropriate Treatment for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)

CMS eCQM ID

CMS996v4

CMS996v5

CMS996v6

CMS996v7

CBE ID*

3613e

Measure Steward

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Description

Percentage of emergency department (ED) encounters for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that received appropriate treatment, defined as fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of ED arrival, or transfer within 45 minutes of ED arrival

Percentage of emergency department (ED) encounters for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that received appropriate treatment, defined as thrombolytic therapy within 30 minutes of ED arrival, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of ED arrival, or discharge to an acute care facility within 45 minutes of ED arrival

Measure Scoring

Proportion

Measure Type

Process

Stratification

None

Risk Adjustment

None

Rationale

Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Sohlpour & Yusuf, 2014; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists’ Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O’Connor et al., 2010).

The total ischemic time—that is, the time from onset of STEMI symptoms to the initiation of some form of reperfusion therapy—is the principal determinant of health outcomes for patients with an AMI, so timely care is essential to minimize disease morbidity and mortality. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment approach, with guidelines recommending initiation of PCI within 120 minutes from first medical contact (O’Gara et al., 2013). In situations where it is unlikely or impossible for a patient to receive primary PCI within the 120-minute timeframe, fibrinolytic therapy may be used for reperfusion and should be rapidly administered to reduce mortality and minimize morbidity; guidelines recommend that fibrinolytic therapy administration occur within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; this may also require rapid transfer for PCI (O’Gara et al., 2013).

Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines, while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the proposed eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.

Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Solhpour & Yusuf, 2013; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists’ Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O’Connor et al., 2010).

Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines, while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.

Studies have shown that delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity, with nearly two lives per 1,000 patients lost per hour of delay in treatment (Solhpour & Yusuf, 2013; Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists' Collaborative Group, 1994). For patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 65 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients if treatment is administered within the first hour of symptom onset, and 131 lives will be saved per 1,000 patients treated if fibrinolytic therapy is delivered within the first three hours (O'Connor et al., 2010).

The total ischemic time—that is, the time from onset of STEMI symptoms to the initiation of some form of reperfusion therapy—is the principal determinant of health outcomes for patients with an AMI, so timely care is essential to minimize disease morbidity and mortality. Primary PCI is the preferred treatment approach, with guidelines recommending initiation of PCI within 120 minutes from first medical contact (O'Gara et al., 2013). In situations where it is unlikely or impossible for a patient to receive primary PCI within the 120-minute timeframe, fibrinolytic therapy may be used for reperfusion and should be rapidly administered to reduce mortality and minimize morbidity; guidelines recommend that fibrinolytic therapy administration occur within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; this may also require rapid transfer for PCI (O'Gara et al., 2013).

Implementation of an eCQM addressing appropriateness and effectiveness of care for STEMI patients in the ED has the potential to improve the delivery of care, furthering alignment with current clinical practice guidelines while reducing adverse health outcomes such as mortality, bleeding events, and reinfarction. Use of the eCQM could also reduce burden on facilities currently measured using the chart-abstracted Fibrinolytic Therapy Received within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (OP-2) measure and broaden the population for which performance scores could be publicly reported.

Clinical Recommendation Statement

Primary PCI in STEMI:

The 2013 ACCF/AHA clinical practice guideline for the management of STEMI recommends that:

- "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration."

- "Primary PCI should be performed in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 hours’ duration who have contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy, irrespective of the time delay from first medical contact."

Fibrinolytic Therapy when there is an Anticipated Delay to Performing Primary PCI within 120 Minutes of First Medical Contact: