Dementia: Cognitive Assessment
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| Measure Information | 2022 Performance Period | 2023 Performance Period | 2024 Performance Period | 2025 Performance Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Dementia: Cognitive Assessment | Dementia: Cognitive Assessment | Dementia: Cognitive Assessment | Dementia: Cognitive Assessment |
| CMS eCQM ID | CMS149v10 | CMS149v11 | CMS149v12 | CMS149v13 |
| CBE ID* | 2872e | 2872e | 2872e | 2872e |
| MIPS Quality ID | 281 | 281 | 281 | 281 |
| Measure Steward | American Academy of Neurology | American Academy of Neurology | American Academy of Neurology | American Academy of Neurology |
| Description |
Percentage of patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
Percentage of patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
Percentage of patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
Percentage of patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
| Measure Scoring | Proportion measure | Proportion measure | Proportion measure | Proportion measure |
| Measure Type | Process | Process | Process | Process |
| Stratification | *See CMS149v10.html | *See CMS149v11.html |
None |
None |
| Risk Adjustment | *See CMS149v10.html | *See CMS149v11.html |
None |
None |
| Rationale | *See CMS149v10.html | *See CMS149v11.html |
An estimated 5.8 million of adults in the US were living with dementia in 2019. Dementia is often characterized by the gradual onset and continuing cognitive decline in one or more domains including memory, communication and language, ability to focus or pay attention, reasoning and judgment and visual perception (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Cognitive deterioration represents a major source of morbidity and mortality and poses a significant burden on affected individuals and their caregivers (Daviglus et al., 2010). Although cognitive deterioration follows a different course depending on the type of dementia, significant rates of decline have been reported. For example, one study found that the annual rate of decline for Alzheimer's disease patients was more than four times that of older adults with no cognitive impairment (Wilson et al., 2010). Nevertheless, measurable cognitive abilities remain throughout the course of dementia (American Psychiatric Association, 2007). Initial and ongoing assessments of cognition are fundamental to the proper management of patients with dementia. These assessments serve as the basis for identifying treatment goals, developing a treatment plan, monitoring the effects of treatment, and modifying treatment as appropriate. |
An estimated 5.8 million of adults in the US were living with dementia in 2019. Dementia is often characterized by the gradual onset and continuing cognitive decline in one or more domains including memory, communication and language, ability to focus or pay attention, reasoning and judgment and visual perception (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Cognitive deterioration represents a major source of morbidity and mortality and poses a significant burden on affected individuals and their caregivers (Kieboom, Snaphaan, & Bongers, 2020; Lanctôt et al., 2024). Although cognitive deterioration follows a different course depending on the type of dementia, significant rates of decline have been reported. For example, one study found that the annual rate of decline for Alzheimer's disease patients was more than four times that of older adults with no cognitive impairment (Wilson et al., 2010). Nevertheless, measurable cognitive abilities remain throughout the course of dementia (American Psychiatric Association, 2007). Initial and ongoing assessments of cognition are fundamental to the proper management of patients with dementia. These assessments serve as the basis for identifying treatment goals, developing a treatment plan, monitoring the effects of treatment, and modifying treatment as appropriate. |
| Clinical Recommendation Statement | *See CMS149v10.html | *See CMS149v11.html |
Ongoing assessment includes periodic monitoring of the development and evolution of cognitive and noncognitive psychiatric symptoms and their response to intervention (Category I). Both cognitive and noncognitive neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms of dementia tend to evolve over time, so regular monitoring allows detection of new symptoms and adaptation of treatment strategies to current needs... Cognitive symptoms that almost always require assessment include impairments in memory, executive function, language, judgment, and spatial abilities. It is often helpful to track cognitive status with a structured simple examination (American Psychiatric Association, 2007). The American Psychiatric Association recommends that patients with dementia be assessed for the type, frequency, severity, pattern, and timing of symptoms (Category 1C). Quantitative measures provide a structured replicable way to document the patient's baseline symptoms and determine which symptoms (if any) should be the target of intervention based on factors such as frequency of occurrence, magnitude, potential for associated harm to the patient or others, and associated distress to the patient. The exact frequency at which measures are warranted will depend on clinical circumstances. However, use of quantitative measures as treatment proceeds allows more precise tracking of whether nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatments are having their intended effect or whether a shift in the treatment plan is needed (American Psychiatric Association, 2016). Conduct and document an assessment and monitor changes in cognitive status using a reliable and valid instrument, e.g., Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) or other tool. Cognitive status should be reassessed periodically to identify sudden changes, as well as to monitor the potential beneficial or harmful effects of environmental changes (including safety, care needs, and abuse and/or neglect), specific medications (both prescription and non-prescription, for appropriate use and contraindications), or other interventions. Proper assessment requires the use of a standardized, objective instrument that is relatively easy to use, reliable (with less variability between different assessors), and valid (results that would be similar to gold-standard evaluations) (California Department of Public Health, 2017). Recommendation: Perform regular, comprehensive person-centered assessments and timely interim assessments. Assessments, conducted at least every 6 months, should prioritize issues that help the person with dementia to live fully. These include assessments of the individual and care partner’s relationships and subjective experience and assessment of cognition, behavior, and function, using reliable and valid tools. Assessment is ongoing and dynamic, combining nomothetic (norm based) and idiographic (individualized) approaches (Fazio, Pace, Maslow, Zimmerman, & Kallmyer, 2018). Recommendation: Assess cognitive status, functional abilities, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, medical status, living environment, and safety. Reassess regularly and when there is a significant change in condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016). |
Ongoing assessment includes periodic monitoring of the development and evolution of cognitive and noncognitive psychiatric symptoms and their response to intervention (Category I). Both cognitive and noncognitive neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms of dementia tend to evolve over time, so regular monitoring allows detection of new symptoms and adaptation of treatment strategies to current needs... Cognitive symptoms that almost always require assessment include impairments in memory, executive function, language, judgment, and spatial abilities. It is often helpful to track cognitive status with a structured simple examination (American Psychiatric Association, 2007). The American Psychiatric Association recommends that patients with dementia be assessed for the type, frequency, severity, pattern, and timing of symptoms (Category 1C). Quantitative measures provide a structured replicable way to document the patient's baseline symptoms and determine which symptoms (if any) should be the target of intervention based on factors such as frequency of occurrence, magnitude, potential for associated harm to the patient or others, and associated distress to the patient. The exact frequency at which measures are warranted will depend on clinical circumstances. However, use of quantitative measures as treatment proceeds allows more precise tracking of whether nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatments are having their intended effect or whether a shift in the treatment plan is needed (American Psychiatric Association, 2016). Conduct and document an assessment and monitor changes in cognitive status using a reliable and valid instrument, e.g., Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) or other tool. Cognitive status should be reassessed periodically to identify sudden changes, as well as to monitor the potential beneficial or harmful effects of environmental changes (including safety, care needs, and abuse and/or neglect), specific medications (both prescription and non-prescription, for appropriate use and contraindications), or other interventions. Proper assessment requires the use of a standardized, objective instrument that is relatively easy to use, reliable (with less variability between different assessors), and valid (results that would be similar to gold-standard evaluations) (California Department of Public Health, 2017). Recommendation: Perform regular, comprehensive person-centered assessments and timely interim assessments. Assessments, conducted at least every 6 months, should prioritize issues that help the person with dementia to live fully. These include assessments of the individual and care partner’s relationships and subjective experience and assessment of cognition, behavior, and function, using reliable and valid tools. Assessment is ongoing and dynamic, combining nomothetic (norm based) and idiographic (individualized) approaches (Fazio, Pace, Maslow, Zimmerman, & Kallmyer, 2018). Recommendation: Assess cognitive status, functional abilities, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, medical status, living environment, and safety. Reassess regularly and when there is a significant change in condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016). |
| Improvement Notation |
Higher score indicates better quality |
Higher score indicates better quality |
Higher score indicates better quality |
Higher score indicates better quality |
| Definition | *See CMS149v10.html | *See CMS149v11.html |
Cognition can be assessed by the clinician during the patient's clinical history. Cognition can also be assessed by direct examination of the patient using one of a number of instruments, including several originally developed and validated for screening purposes. This can also include, where appropriate, administration to a knowledgeable informant. Examples include, but are not limited to: -Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (BOMC) -Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) -St. Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) -Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) [Note: The MMSE has not been well validated for non-Alzheimer's dementias] -Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) -Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) Questionnaire -Minimum Data Set (MDS) Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) [Note: Validated for use with nursing home patients only] -Formal neuropsychological evaluation -Mini-Cog |
Cognition can be assessed by the clinician during the patient's clinical history. Cognition can also be assessed by direct examination of the patient using one of a number of instruments, including several originally developed and validated for screening purposes. This can also include, where appropriate, administration to a knowledgeable informant. Examples include, but are not limited to: -Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (BOMC) -Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) -St. Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) -Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) [Note: The MMSE has not been well validated for non-Alzheimer's dementias] -Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) -Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) Questionnaire -Minimum Data Set (MDS) Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) [Note: Validated for use with nursing home patients only] -Formal neuropsychological evaluation -Mini-Cog |
| Guidance |
Use of a standardized tool or instrument to assess cognition other than those listed will meet numerator performance. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Cognitive Assessment" included in the numerator logic below. The requirement of two or more visits is to establish that the eligible professional or eligible clinician has an existing relationship with the patient. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of dementia and the assessment of cognitive function need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. The DSM-5 has replaced the term dementia with major neurocognitive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder. For the purposes of this measure, the terms are equivalent. This eCQM is a patient-based measure. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.5. Please refer to the eCQI resource center for more information on the QDM. |
Use of a standardized tool or instrument to assess cognition other than those listed will meet numerator performance. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Cognitive Assessment" included in the numerator logic below. The requirement of two or more visits is to establish that the eligible professional or eligible clinician has an existing relationship with the patient. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of dementia and the assessment of cognitive function need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. The DSM-5 has replaced the term dementia with major neurocognitive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder. For the purposes of this measure, the terms are equivalent. This eCQM is a patient-based measure. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. |
Use of a standardized tool or instrument to assess cognition other than those listed will meet numerator performance if mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Cognitive Assessment" included in the numerator logic below. The requirement of two or more visits is to establish that the eligible professional or eligible clinician has an existing relationship with the patient. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of dementia and the assessment of cognitive function need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. The DSM-5 has replaced the term dementia with major neurocognitive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder. For the purposes of this measure, the terms are equivalent. This eCQM is a patient-based measure. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. |
The measure requires a diagnosis of dementia is present before the routine assessment of cognition once in a 12-month period. Use of a standardized tool or instrument to assess cognition other than those listed will meet numerator performance if mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Cognitive Assessment" included in the numerator logic below. The requirement of two or more visits is to establish that the eligible clinician has an existing relationship with the patient. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of dementia and the assessment of cognitive function need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition DMS-5 has replaced the term dementia with major neurocognitive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder. For the purposes of this measure, the terms are equivalent. This eCQM is a patient-based measure. 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 patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia |
All patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia |
All patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia who have two or more visits during the measurement period |
All patients, regardless of age, with a diagnosis of dementia who have two or more visits during the measurement period |
| Denominator |
Equals Initial Population |
Equals Initial Population |
Equals Initial Population |
Equals Initial Population |
| Denominator Exclusions |
None |
None |
None |
None |
| Numerator |
Patients for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
Patients for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
Patients for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
Patients for whom an assessment of cognition is performed and the results reviewed at least once within a 12-month period |
| Numerator Exclusions |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
| Denominator Exceptions |
Documentation of patient reason(s) for not assessing cognition |
Documentation of patient reason(s) for not assessing cognition |
Documentation of patient reason(s) for not assessing cognition |
Documentation of patient reason(s) for not assessing cognition |
| Telehealth Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Next Version | No Version Available | |||
| Previous Version | No Version Available |
Additional Resources for CMS149v10
Header
Updated the eCQM version number.
Measure Section: eCQM Version Number
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated Measure Steward.
Measure Section: Measure Steward
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated Measure Developer.
Measure Section: Measure Developer
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated copyright.
Measure Section: Copyright
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated disclaimer.
Measure Section: Disclaimer
Source of Change: Annual Update
Logic
Revised 'Qualifying Encounter' definition construction to reuse existing definition for clarification.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated 'Dementia Encounter' definition name to account for timing constraint and align with CQL Style Guide.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated 'Face to Face Encounter During Measurement Period' definition name to align with guidance for virtual visits.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated 'Qualifying Encounter' definition name to account for timing constraint and align with CQL Style Guide.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated the names of Clinical Quality Language (CQL) definitions, functions, and/or aliases for clarification and to align with the CQL Style Guide.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Standards Update
Updated the version number of the Measure Authoring Tool (MAT) Global Common Functions Library (MATGlobalCommonFunctions-6.2.000). Updated the 'Inpatient Encounter' definition to include a 'day of' timing clarification. Added the following timing functions: Normalize Interval, Has Start, Has End, Latest, Latest Of, Earliest, and Earliest Of. Please see individual measure details for application of specific timing functions.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Standards Update
Added new NormalizeInterval function to timing attributes to decrease implementation burden due to variable use of timing attributes for select QDM data types. The NormalizeInterval function was applied, where applicable, for the following data elements: Assessment, Performed; Device, Applied; Diagnostic Study, Performed; Intervention, Performed; Laboratory Test, Performed; Medication, Administered; Medication, Dispensed; Physical Exam, Performed; Procedure, Performed; Substance, Administered.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Standards Update
Value Set
The VSAC is the source of truth for the value set content, please visit the VSAC for downloads of current value sets.
Value set Dementia & Mental Degenerations (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1005): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (838276009) based on terminology update. Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (62239001) based on terminology update.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Annual Update