Kidney Health Evaluation
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Measure Information | 2023 Performance Period | 2024 Performance Period | 2025 Performance Period |
---|---|---|---|
Title | Kidney Health Evaluation | Kidney Health Evaluation | Kidney Health Evaluation |
CMS eCQM ID | CMS951v1 | CMS951v2 | CMS951v3 |
CBE ID* | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
MIPS Quality ID | 488 | 488 | 488 |
Measure Steward | National Kidney Foundation | National Kidney Foundation | National Kidney Foundation |
Description |
Percentage of patients aged 18-75 years with a diagnosis of diabetes who received a kidney health evaluation defined by an Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) AND Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) within the measurement period |
Percentage of patients aged 18-75 years with a diagnosis of diabetes who received a kidney health evaluation defined by an Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) AND Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) within the measurement period |
Percentage of patients aged 18-85 years with a diagnosis of diabetes who received a kidney health evaluation defined by an Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) AND Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) within the measurement period |
Measure Scoring | Proportion measure | Proportion measure | Proportion measure |
Measure Type | Process | Process | Process |
Stratification | *See CMS951v1.html |
None |
None |
Risk Adjustment | *See CMS951v1.html |
None |
None |
Rationale | *See CMS951v1.html |
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major driver of morbidity, mortality and high healthcare costs in the United States. Currently, 37 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk (National Kidney Foundation [NKF], 2019), with an estimated population prevalence growing to nearly 17% among Americans aged 30 years and older by the year 2030 (Saran et al., 2019; Hoerger et al., 2015). Total Medicare spending in 2016 on both CKD and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) was over $114 billion, comprising 23% of total Medicare fee-for-service spending overall with costs increasing exponentially with advancing CKD (Saran et al., 2019; Nichols et al., 2020). In the US from 2002-2016, the burden of CKD, defined as years of life lost, years living with disability, disability-adjusted life years, and deaths, outpaced changes in the burden of disease for other conditions (Bowe et al., 2018). Patients with CKD are readmitted to the hospital more frequently than those without diagnosed CKD (Saran et al., 2019). CKD is the 9th leading cause of death in the US and is the fastest growing non-communicable disease in terms of in burden largely due to death (Hoerger et al., 2015; Bowe et al., 2018). This public health issue is driven largely by the impact of diabetes—the most common comorbid risk factor for CKD (Saran et al., 2019; Bowe et al., 2018). The intent of this process measure is to improve rates of guideline-concordant kidney health evaluation in patients with diabetes to more consistently identify and potentially treat or delay progression of CKD in this high-risk population. Annual kidney health evaluation in patients with diabetes to determine risk of CKD using eGFR and uACR is recommended by clinical practice guidelines (ADA, 2022; NKF, 2007; NKF, 2012) and has been a focus of various local and national health care quality improvement initiatives, including Healthy People 2020 (United States Renal Data System, 2018). However, performance of these tests in patients with diabetes remains low, with rates that vary across Medicare (41.8%) and private insurers (49.0%) (Saran et al., 2019; Alfego et al., 2021; Stempneiwicz et al., 2021). Low rates of detection of CKD in a population of patients with diabetes have been demonstrated to be associated with low patient awareness of their own kidney health status (Szczech et al., 2014). Indeed, 90% of individuals with CKD are unaware of their condition due to under-recognition and under-diagnosis (Saran et al., 2019; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Currently, an individual’s lifetime probability of developing CKD is relatively high, reaching 54% for someone currently aged 30-49 years (Hoerger et al., 2015). Regular kidney health evaluations, utilizing both eGFR and uACR, provide an opportunity to improve identification and potential reversal of worsening kidney function, particularly in high risk populations, such as those with diabetes. |
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major driver of morbidity, mortality and high healthcare costs in the United States. Currently, 37 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk (National Kidney Foundation [NKF], 2022), with an estimated population prevalence growing to nearly 17% among Americans aged 30 years and older by the year 2030 (Saran et al., 2019; Hoerger et al., 2015). Total Medicare spending in 2016 on both CKD and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) was over $114 billion, comprising 23% of total Medicare fee-for-service spending overall with costs increasing exponentially with advancing CKD (Saran et al., 2019; Nichols et al., 2020). In the US from 2002-2016, the burden of CKD, defined as years of life lost, years living with disability, disability-adjusted life years, and deaths, outpaced changes in the burden of disease for other conditions (Bowe et al., 2018). Patients with CKD are readmitted to the hospital more frequently than those without diagnosed CKD (Saran et al., 2019). CKD is the 9th leading cause of death in the US and is the fastest growing non-communicable disease in terms of in burden largely due to death (Hoerger et al., 2015; Bowe et al., 2018). This public health issue is driven largely by the impact of diabetes—the most common comorbid risk factor for CKD (Saran et al., 2019; Bowe et al., 2018). The intent of this process measure is to improve rates of guideline-concordant kidney health evaluation in patients with diabetes to more consistently identify and potentially treat or delay progression of CKD in this high-risk population. Annual kidney health evaluation in patients with diabetes to determine risk of CKD using eGFR and uACR is recommended by clinical practice guidelines (American Diabetes Association, 2022; de Boer, 2022; NKF, 2007; NKF, 2012) and has been a focus of various local and national health care quality improvement initiatives, including Healthy People 2030 (Healthy People 2030, 2023). However, performance of these tests in patients with diabetes remains low, with rates that vary across Medicare (41.8%) and private insurers (49.0%) (Saran et al., 2019; Alfego et al., 2021; Stempneiwicz et al., 2021). Low rates of detection of CKD in a population of patients with diabetes have been demonstrated to be associated with low patient awareness of their own kidney health status (Szczech et al., 2014). Indeed, 90% of individuals with CKD are unaware of their condition due to under-recognition and under-diagnosis (Saran, et al., 2019; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Currently, an individual’s lifetime probability of developing CKD is relatively high, reaching 54% for someone currently aged 30-49 years (Hoerger et al., 2015). Regular kidney health evaluations, utilizing both eGFR and uACR, provide an opportunity to improve identification and potential reversal of worsening kidney function, particularly in high risk populations, such as those with diabetes. |
Clinical Recommendation Statement | *See CMS951v1.html |
The following evidence statements are quoted verbatim from the referenced clinical guidelines and other sources, where applicable: At least once a year, assess urinary albumin (e.g., spot urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 1 diabetes with duration of >= 5 years, in all patients with type 2 diabetes, and in all patients with comorbid hypertension. B (American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, 2019) Patients with diabetes should be screened annually for Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Initial screening should commence: - 5 years after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes; (A) or - From diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. (B) Screening should include: - Measurements of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) in a spot urine sample; (B) - Measurement of serum creatinine and estimation of GFR. (B) (NKF, 2007; NKF, 2012) |
The following evidence statements are quoted verbatim from the referenced clinical guidelines and other sources, where applicable: At least annually, urinary albumin (e.g., spot urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and estimated glomerular filtration rate should be assessed in people with type 1 diabetes with duration of ≥5 years and in all people with type 2 diabetes regardless of treatment. B (American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, 2023) Patients with diabetes should be screened annually for Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Initial screening should commence: - 5 years after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes; (A) or - From diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. (B) Screening should include: - Measurements of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) in a spot urine sample; (B) - Measurement of serum creatinine and estimation of GFR. (B) (NKF, 2007; NKF, 2012) |
Improvement Notation |
Higher score indicates better quality |
Higher score indicates better quality |
Higher score indicates better quality |
Definition | *See CMS951v1.html |
None |
None |
Guidance |
This measure assesses performance of a comprehensive kidney evaluation in adults aged 18-75. This measure does not preclude or discourage the use of regular laboratory testing for CKD in patients outside of the age range (patients under 18 years and those over 75 years of age). 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. |
This measure assesses performance of a comprehensive kidney evaluation in adults aged 18-75. This measure does not preclude or discourage the use of regular laboratory testing for CKD in patients outside of the age range (patients under 18 years and those over 75 years of age). 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. |
This measure assesses performance of a comprehensive kidney evaluation in adults aged 18-85. This measure does not preclude or discourage the use of regular laboratory testing for CKD in patients outside of the age range (patients under 18 years and those over 85 years of age). 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 aged 18-75 years with a diagnosis of diabetes at the start of the measurement period with a visit during the measurement period |
All patients aged 18-75 years with a diagnosis of diabetes at the start of the measurement period with a visit during the measurement period |
All patients aged 18-85 years with a diagnosis of diabetes at the start of the measurement period with a visit during the measurement period |
Denominator |
Equals Initial Population |
Equals Initial Population |
Equals Initial Population |
Denominator Exclusions |
Patients with a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD); Patients with a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5; Patients who have an order for or are receiving hospice or palliative care |
Patients with a diagnosis of ESRD; Patients with a diagnosis of CKD Stage 5; Patients who have an order for or are receiving hospice or palliative care |
Patients with a diagnosis of ESRD active during the measurement period; Patients with a diagnosis of CKD Stage 5 active during the measurement period; Patients who have an order for or are receiving hospice or palliative care |
Numerator |
Patients who received a kidney health evaluation defined by an Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) AND Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) within the measurement period |
Patients who received a kidney health evaluation defined by an eGFR AND uACR within the measurement period |
Patients who received a kidney health evaluation defined by an eGFR AND uACR within the measurement period |
Numerator Exclusions |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Denominator Exceptions |
None |
None |
None |
Telehealth Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Next Version | No Version Available | No Version Available | |
Previous Version | No Version Available |
There is a known issue on CMS951v2. See issue EKI-32 on the ONC eCQM Known Issues Dashboard for details.
Additional Resources for CMS951v2
Header
Updated copyright.
Measure Section: Copyright
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated disclaimer.
Measure Section: Disclaimer
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated references.
Measure Section: Reference
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated grammar, wording, and/or formatting to improve readability and consistency.
Measure Section: Multiple Sections
Source of Change: Annual Update
Logic
Updated the version number of the Palliative Care Exclusion ECQM Library to v3.0.000.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated the version number of the Hospice Library to v5.0.000.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated the timing associated with the Diabetes diagnosis to capture patients who have an active diagnosis as of the start of the measurement period to better align with the intent of the initial population.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Added 'day of' specificity to the 'Has Kidney Panel Performed During Measurement Period' definition to better align with measure intent and timing across eCQMs.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated the names of CQL definitions, functions, and/or aliases for clarification and to align with the CQL Style Guide.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Standards/Technical Update
Replaced direct reference code 'Encounter with palliative care' with 'Palliative Care Diagnosis' value set in the PalliativeCare.Has Palliative Care in the Measurement Period definition to organize capture of patients receiving palliative care, per standards expert input.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Added 'day of' specificity to hospice expressions for consistency.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Added standalone palliative care value set to organize capture of patients receiving palliative care, per standards expert input.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Added QDM datatype 'Diagnosis' to the Hospice.'Has Hospice Services' definition referencing a new value set containing existing SNOMED finding codes to provide an additional approach for identifying patients receiving hospice care.
Measure Section: Definitions
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Updated the version number of the Hospice Library to v5.0.000.
Measure Section: Functions
Source of Change: Annual Update
Updated the version number of the Palliative Care Exclusion ECQM Library to v3.0.000.
Measure Section: Functions
Source of Change: Annual 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 Diabetes (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.103.12.1001): Deleted 54 ICD-9-CM codes based on validity of code during timing of look back period. Deleted 3 SNOMED CT codes (190369008, 237618001, 314771006) based on validity of code during timing of look back period.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Value set Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (2.16.840.1.113883.3.6929.3.1000): Added 1 LOINC code (98979-8) based on updated evidence in published guidelines, published literature, or from published specialty medical society or group recommendations.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Value set Hospice Care Ambulatory (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1584): Deleted 3 SNOMED CT codes (170935008, 170936009, 305911006) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Added value set Hospice Diagnosis (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.1165) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Value set Hospice Encounter (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.1003): Added 2 SNOMED CT codes (305911006, 385765002) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Replaced direct reference code ICD-10-CM code (Z51.5) with value set Palliative Care Diagnosis (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.1167) based on change in measure requirements/measure specification.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Value set Palliative Care Intervention (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.198.12.1135): Deleted 3 SNOMED CT codes (305686008, 305824005, 441874000) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead
Value set Payer (2.16.840.1.114222.4.11.3591): Added 5 SOP codes (1111, 1112, 142, 344, 141) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section: Terminology
Source of Change: Measure Lead