Child and Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment

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Measure Information	2023 Performance Period	2024 Performance Period	2025 Performance Period
Title	Child and Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment	Child and Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment	Child and Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment
CMS eCQM ID	CMS177v11	CMS177v12	CMS177v13
CBE ID*	1365e	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
MIPS Quality ID	382	382	382
Measure Steward	Mathematica	Mathematica	Mathematica
Description	Percentage of patient visits for those patients aged 6 through 17 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) with an assessment for suicide risk	Percentage of patient visits for those patients aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) with an assessment for suicide risk	Percentage of patient visits for those patients aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) with an assessment for suicide risk
Measure Scoring	Proportion measure	Proportion measure	Proportion measure
Measure Type	Process	Process	Process
Stratification	*See CMS177v11.html	None	None
Risk Adjustment	*See CMS177v11.html	None	None
Rationale	*See CMS177v11.html	Research has shown that youth with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at a high risk for suicide attempts and completion - among the most significant and devastating sequelae of the disease (Fontanella et al., 2020). Suicide risk is a critical consideration in children and adolescents... with MDD, and an important aspect of care that should be assessed at each visit and subsequently managed to minimize that risk. Additionally, the importance of the assessments is underscored by research (Fontanella et al., 2020; Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002) that indicates that many individuals who die by suicide do make contact with primary care providers and mental health services beforehand. More specifically, approximately 15% of suicide victims aged 35 years or younger had seen a mental health professional within 1 month of suicide while approximately 23% had seen a primary care provider within 1 month of suicide (Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002). A recent analysis of depression severity and suicidal ideation symptom trajectories (Witt et al., 2021) found that suicidal ideation among children and young adults (15-25 years) might not improve with depression symptom severity. This evidence suggests the potential utility of continued suicide risk screening even after improvements in depression symptoms. Better assessment and identification of suicide risk in the health care setting should lead to improved connection to treatment and reduction in suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. Show more > Research has shown that youth with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at a high risk for suicide attempts and completion - among the most significant and devastating sequelae of the disease (Fontanella et al., 2020). Suicide risk is a critical consideration in children and adolescents with MDD, and an important aspect of care that should be assessed at each visit and subsequently managed to minimize that risk. Additionally, the importance of the assessments is underscored by research (Fontanella et al., 2020; Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002) that indicates that many individuals who die by suicide do make contact with primary care providers and mental health services beforehand. More specifically, approximately 15% of suicide victims aged 35 years or younger had seen a mental health professional within 1 month of suicide while approximately 23% had seen a primary care provider within 1 month of suicide (Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002). A recent analysis of depression severity and suicidal ideation symptom trajectories (Witt et al., 2021) found that suicidal ideation among children and young adults (15-25 years) might not improve with depression symptom severity. This evidence suggests the potential utility of continued suicide risk screening even after improvements in depression symptoms. Better assessment and identification of suicide risk in the health care setting should lead to improved connection to treatment and reduction in suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. Show less	Research has shown that youth with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at a high risk for suicide attempts and completion - among the most significant and devastating sequelae of the disease (Fontanella et al., 2020). Suicide risk is a critical consideration in children and adolescents... with MDD, and an important aspect of care that should be assessed at each visit and subsequently managed to minimize that risk. Additionally, the importance of the assessments is underscored by research (Fontanella et al., 2020; Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002) that indicates that many individuals who die by suicide do make contact with primary care providers and mental health services beforehand. More specifically, approximately 15% of suicide victims aged 35 years or younger had seen a mental health professional within 1 month of suicide while approximately 23% had seen a primary care provider within 1 month of suicide (Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002). A recent analysis of depression severity and suicidal ideation symptom trajectories (Witt et al., 2021) found that suicidal ideation among children and young adults (15-25 years) might not improve with depression symptom severity. This evidence suggests the potential utility of continued suicide risk screening even after improvements in depression symptoms. Better assessment and identification of suicide risk in the health care setting should lead to improved connection to treatment and reduction in suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. Show more > Research has shown that youth with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at a high risk for suicide attempts and completion - among the most significant and devastating sequelae of the disease (Fontanella et al., 2020). Suicide risk is a critical consideration in children and adolescents with MDD, and an important aspect of care that should be assessed at each visit and subsequently managed to minimize that risk. Additionally, the importance of the assessments is underscored by research (Fontanella et al., 2020; Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002) that indicates that many individuals who die by suicide do make contact with primary care providers and mental health services beforehand. More specifically, approximately 15% of suicide victims aged 35 years or younger had seen a mental health professional within 1 month of suicide while approximately 23% had seen a primary care provider within 1 month of suicide (Luoma, Martin, & Pearson, 2002). A recent analysis of depression severity and suicidal ideation symptom trajectories (Witt et al., 2021) found that suicidal ideation among children and young adults (15-25 years) might not improve with depression symptom severity. This evidence suggests the potential utility of continued suicide risk screening even after improvements in depression symptoms. Better assessment and identification of suicide risk in the health care setting should lead to improved connection to treatment and reduction in suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. Show less
Clinical Recommendation Statement	*See CMS177v11.html	The evaluation must include assessment for the presence of harm to self or others (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2007). Suicidal behavior exists along a continuum from passive thoughts of death to a clearly developed plan and intent to carry out that plan. Because... depression is closely associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior, it is imperative to evaluate these symptoms at the initial and subsequent assessments. For this purpose, low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can be used. Also, it is crucial to evaluate the risk (e.g., age, sex, stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that might influence the desire to attempt suicide. The risk for suicidal behavior increases if there is a history of suicide attempts, comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., disruptive disorders, substance abuse), impulsivity and aggression, availability of lethal agents (e.g., firearms), exposure to negative events (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, violence), and a family history of suicidal behavior (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2007). A careful and ongoing evaluation of suicide risk is necessary for all patients with major depressive disorder (Category I). Such an assessment includes specific inquiry about suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, means, and behaviors; identification of specific psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, severe anxiety, substance use) or general medical conditions that may increase the likelihood of acting on suicidal ideas; assessment of past and, particularly, recent suicidal behavior; delineation of current stressors and potential protective factors (e.g., positive reasons for living, strong social support); and identification of any family history of suicide or mental illness (Category I) (American Psychiatric Association, 2010, reaffirmed 2015). Show more > The evaluation must include assessment for the presence of harm to self or others (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2007). Suicidal behavior exists along a continuum from passive thoughts of death to a clearly developed plan and intent to carry out that plan. Because depression is closely associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior, it is imperative to evaluate these symptoms at the initial and subsequent assessments. For this purpose, low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can be used. Also, it is crucial to evaluate the risk (e.g., age, sex, stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that might influence the desire to attempt suicide. The risk for suicidal behavior increases if there is a history of suicide attempts, comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., disruptive disorders, substance abuse), impulsivity and aggression, availability of lethal agents (e.g., firearms), exposure to negative events (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, violence), and a family history of suicidal behavior (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2007). A careful and ongoing evaluation of suicide risk is necessary for all patients with major depressive disorder (Category I). Such an assessment includes specific inquiry about suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, means, and behaviors; identification of specific psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, severe anxiety, substance use) or general medical conditions that may increase the likelihood of acting on suicidal ideas; assessment of past and, particularly, recent suicidal behavior; delineation of current stressors and potential protective factors (e.g., positive reasons for living, strong social support); and identification of any family history of suicide or mental illness (Category I) (American Psychiatric Association, 2010, reaffirmed 2015). Show less	The evaluation must include assessment for the presence of harm to self or others (Birmaher et al., 2007). Suicidal behavior exists along a continuum from passive thoughts of death to a clearly developed plan and intent to carry out that plan. Because depression is closely associated with... suicidal thoughts and behavior, it is imperative to evaluate these symptoms at the initial and subsequent assessments. For this purpose, low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can be used. Also, it is crucial to evaluate the risk (e.g., age, sex, stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that might influence the desire to attempt suicide. The risk for suicidal behavior increases if there is a history of suicide attempts, comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., disruptive disorders, substance abuse), impulsivity and aggression, availability of lethal agents (e.g., firearms), exposure to negative events (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, violence), and a family history of suicidal behavior (Birmaher et al., 2007). A careful and ongoing evaluation of suicide risk is necessary for all patients with major depressive disorder (Category I). Such an assessment includes specific inquiry about suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, means, and behaviors; identification of specific psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, severe anxiety, substance use) or general medical conditions that may increase the likelihood of acting on suicidal ideas; assessment of past and, particularly, recent suicidal behavior; delineation of current stressors and potential protective factors (e.g., positive reasons for living, strong social support); and identification of any family history of suicide or mental illness (Category I) (Gelenberg et al., 2010). Show more > The evaluation must include assessment for the presence of harm to self or others (Birmaher et al., 2007). Suicidal behavior exists along a continuum from passive thoughts of death to a clearly developed plan and intent to carry out that plan. Because depression is closely associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior, it is imperative to evaluate these symptoms at the initial and subsequent assessments. For this purpose, low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can be used. Also, it is crucial to evaluate the risk (e.g., age, sex, stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that might influence the desire to attempt suicide. The risk for suicidal behavior increases if there is a history of suicide attempts, comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., disruptive disorders, substance abuse), impulsivity and aggression, availability of lethal agents (e.g., firearms), exposure to negative events (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, violence), and a family history of suicidal behavior (Birmaher et al., 2007). A careful and ongoing evaluation of suicide risk is necessary for all patients with major depressive disorder (Category I). Such an assessment includes specific inquiry about suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, means, and behaviors; identification of specific psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, severe anxiety, substance use) or general medical conditions that may increase the likelihood of acting on suicidal ideas; assessment of past and, particularly, recent suicidal behavior; delineation of current stressors and potential protective factors (e.g., positive reasons for living, strong social support); and identification of any family history of suicide or mental illness (Category I) (Gelenberg et al., 2010). Show less
Improvement Notation	Higher score indicates better quality	Higher score indicates better quality	Higher score indicates better quality
Definition	*See CMS177v11.html	Numerator Definition: The specific type and magnitude of the suicide risk assessment is intended to be at the discretion of the individual clinician and should be specific to the needs of the patient. At a minimum, suicide risk assessment should evaluate: 1. Risk (e.g., age, sex,... stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that may influence the desire to attempt suicide. 2. Current severity of suicidality. 3. Most severe point of suicidality in episode and lifetime. Low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can also be used. Because no validated assessment tool or instrument fully meets the aforementioned requirements for the suicide risk assessment, individual tools or instruments have not been explicitly included in coding. Show more > Numerator Definition: The specific type and magnitude of the suicide risk assessment is intended to be at the discretion of the individual clinician and should be specific to the needs of the patient. At a minimum, suicide risk assessment should evaluate: 1. Risk (e.g., age, sex, stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that may influence the desire to attempt suicide. 2. Current severity of suicidality. 3. Most severe point of suicidality in episode and lifetime. Low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can also be used. Because no validated assessment tool or instrument fully meets the aforementioned requirements for the suicide risk assessment, individual tools or instruments have not been explicitly included in coding. Show less	Numerator Definition: The specific type and magnitude of the suicide risk assessment is intended to be at the discretion of the individual clinician and should be specific to the needs of the patient. At a minimum, suicide risk assessment should evaluate: 1. Risk (e.g., age, sex,... stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that may influence the desire to attempt suicide. 2. Current severity of suicidality. 3. Most severe point of suicidality in episode and lifetime. Low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can also be used. Because no validated assessment tool or instrument fully meets the aforementioned requirements for the suicide risk assessment, individual tools or instruments have not been explicitly included in coding. Show more > Numerator Definition: The specific type and magnitude of the suicide risk assessment is intended to be at the discretion of the individual clinician and should be specific to the needs of the patient. At a minimum, suicide risk assessment should evaluate: 1. Risk (e.g., age, sex, stressors, comorbid conditions, hopelessness, impulsivity) and protective factors (e.g., religious belief, concern not to hurt family) that may influence the desire to attempt suicide. 2. Current severity of suicidality. 3. Most severe point of suicidality in episode and lifetime. Low burden tools to track suicidal ideation and behavior such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale can also be used. Because no validated assessment tool or instrument fully meets the aforementioned requirements for the suicide risk assessment, individual tools or instruments have not been explicitly included in coding. Show less
Guidance	This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode is defined as each eligible encounter for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the measurement period. A suicide risk assessment should be performed at every visit for MDD during the measurement period. In recognition of the growing use... of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of depression and the assessment for suicide risk need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. Suicide risk assessments completed via telehealth services can also meet numerator performance. Use of a standardized tool(s) or instrument(s) to assess suicide risk will meet numerator performance, so long as the minimum criteria noted above is evaluated. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Suicide risk assessment (procedure)" included in the numerator logic below, as no individual suicide risk assessment tool or instrument would satisfy the requirements alone. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. Show more > This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode is defined as each eligible encounter for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the measurement period. A suicide risk assessment should be performed at every visit for MDD during the measurement period. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of depression and the assessment for suicide risk need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. Suicide risk assessments completed via telehealth services can also meet numerator performance. Use of a standardized tool(s) or instrument(s) to assess suicide risk will meet numerator performance, so long as the minimum criteria noted above is evaluated. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Suicide risk assessment (procedure)" included in the numerator logic below, as no individual suicide risk assessment tool or instrument would satisfy the requirements alone. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. Show less	This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode is defined as each eligible encounter for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the measurement period. A suicide risk assessment should be performed at every visit for MDD during the measurement period. In recognition of the growing use... of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of depression and the assessment for suicide risk need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. Suicide risk assessments completed via telehealth services can also meet numerator performance. Use of a standardized tool(s) or instrument(s) to assess suicide risk will meet numerator performance, so long as the minimum criteria noted above is evaluated. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Suicide risk assessment (procedure)" included in the numerator logic below, as no individual suicide risk assessment tool or instrument would satisfy the requirements alone. To ensure all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are assessed for suicide risk, there are two clinical quality measures addressing suicide risk assessment; CMS177 covers children and adolescents aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period, and CMS161 - Adult Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment covers the adult population aged 17 years and older at the start of the measurement period. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. Show more > This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode is defined as each eligible encounter for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the measurement period. A suicide risk assessment should be performed at every visit for MDD during the measurement period. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of depression and the assessment for suicide risk need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. Suicide risk assessments completed via telehealth services can also meet numerator performance. Use of a standardized tool(s) or instrument(s) to assess suicide risk will meet numerator performance, so long as the minimum criteria noted above is evaluated. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Suicide risk assessment (procedure)" included in the numerator logic below, as no individual suicide risk assessment tool or instrument would satisfy the requirements alone. To ensure all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are assessed for suicide risk, there are two clinical quality measures addressing suicide risk assessment; CMS177 covers children and adolescents aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period, and CMS161 - Adult Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment covers the adult population aged 17 years and older at the start of the measurement period. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. Show less	This electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) is an episode-based measure. An episode is defined as each eligible encounter for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the measurement period. A suicide risk assessment should be performed at every visit for MDD during the measurement... period. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of depression and the assessment for suicide risk need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. Suicide risk assessments completed via telehealth services can also meet numerator performance. Use of a standardized tool(s) or instrument(s) to assess suicide risk will meet numerator performance, so long as the minimum criteria noted above is evaluated. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Suicide risk assessment (procedure)" included in the numerator logic below, as no individual suicide risk assessment tool or instrument would satisfy the requirements alone. To ensure all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are assessed for suicide risk, there are two clinical quality measures addressing suicide risk assessment; CMS177 covers children and adolescents aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period, and CMS161 - Adult Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment covers the adult population aged 17 years and older at the start of the measurement period. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. Show more > This electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) is an episode-based measure. An episode is defined as each eligible encounter for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the measurement period. A suicide risk assessment should be performed at every visit for MDD during the measurement period. In recognition of the growing use of integrated and team-based care, the diagnosis of depression and the assessment for suicide risk need not be performed by the same provider or clinician. Suicide risk assessments completed via telehealth services can also meet numerator performance. Use of a standardized tool(s) or instrument(s) to assess suicide risk will meet numerator performance, so long as the minimum criteria noted above is evaluated. Standardized tools can be mapped to the concept "Intervention, Performed": "Suicide risk assessment (procedure)" included in the numerator logic below, as no individual suicide risk assessment tool or instrument would satisfy the requirements alone. To ensure all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are assessed for suicide risk, there are two clinical quality measures addressing suicide risk assessment; CMS177 covers children and adolescents aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period, and CMS161 - Adult Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Suicide Risk Assessment covers the adult population aged 17 years and older at the start of the measurement period. This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM. Show less
Initial Population	All patient visits for those patients aged 6 through 17 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder	All patient visits for those patients aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder	All patient visits for those patients aged 6 through 16 at the start of the measurement period with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder
Denominator	Equals Initial Population	Equals Initial Population	Equals Initial Population
Denominator Exclusions	None	None	None
Numerator	Patient visits with an assessment for suicide risk	Patient visits with an assessment for suicide risk	Patient visits with an assessment for suicide risk
Numerator Exclusions	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Denominator Exceptions	None	None	None
Telehealth Eligible	Yes	Yes	Yes
Next Version	CMS177v12	CMS177v13	No Version Available
Previous Version	No Version Available	CMS177v11	CMS177v12

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Additional Resources for CMS177v11

CMS177v11-TRN.xlsx

Header

Updated the measure description to add the acronym MDD for clarity.
Measure Section: Description
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated copyright.
Measure Section: Copyright
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated disclaimer.
Measure Section: Disclaimer
Source of Change: Standards/Technical Update
Updated the rationale section to further support measure intent.
Measure Section: Rationale
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated references.
Measure Section: Reference
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated version number of the Quality Data Model (QDM) used in the measure specification to v5.6.
Measure Section: Guidance
Source of Change: Standards/Technical Update

Logic

Replaced the Global.CalendarAgeInYearsAt function with the native CQL function AgeInYearsAt to take advantage of existing CQL features and increase human readability. As a result of this change, the LOINC code 21112-8 is no longer required and has been removed from the Terminology section of the human readable specification.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated the version number of the Measure Authoring Tool (MAT) Global Common Functions Library to v7.0.000.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Standards/Technical Update
Updated the version of the Quality Data Model (QDM) to 5.6 and Clinical Quality Language (CQL) to 1.5.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Standards/Technical 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.

Removed direct reference code LOINC code (21112-8) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead