Falls: Screening for Future Fall Risk

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Measure Information	2023 Performance Period	2024 Performance Period	2025 Performance Period
Title	Falls: Screening for Future Fall Risk	Falls: Screening for Future Fall Risk	Falls: Screening for Future Fall Risk
CMS eCQM ID	CMS139v11	CMS139v12	CMS139v13
CBE ID*	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
MIPS Quality ID	318	318	318
Measure Steward	National Committee for Quality Assurance	National Committee for Quality Assurance	National Committee for Quality Assurance
Description	Percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who were screened for future fall risk during the measurement period	Percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who were screened for future fall risk during the measurement period	Percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who were screened for future fall risk during the measurement period
Measure Scoring	Proportion measure	Proportion measure	Proportion measure
Measure Type	Process	Process	Process
Stratification	*See CMS139v11.html	None	None
Risk Adjustment	*See CMS139v11.html	None	None
Rationale	*See CMS139v11.html	As the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older adults, falls are one of the most common and significant health issues facing people aged 65 years or older (Schneider, Shubert and Harmon, 2010). Moreover, the rate of falls increases with age (Dykes et al., 2010). Older... adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized for fall-related injuries than any other cause-related injury. It is estimated that one in every three adults over 65 will fall each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). In those over age 80, the rate of falls increases to fifty percent (Doherty et al., 2009). Falls are also associated with substantial cost and resource use, approaching $30,000 per fall hospitalization (Woolcott et al., 2011). Identifying at-risk patients is the most important part of management, as applying preventive measures in this vulnerable population can have a profound effect on public health (al-Aama, 2011). Family physicians have a pivotal role in screening older patients for risk of falls, and applying preventive strategies for patients at risk (al-Aama, 2011). Show more > As the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older adults, falls are one of the most common and significant health issues facing people aged 65 years or older (Schneider, Shubert and Harmon, 2010). Moreover, the rate of falls increases with age (Dykes et al., 2010). Older adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized for fall-related injuries than any other cause-related injury. It is estimated that one in every three adults over 65 will fall each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). In those over age 80, the rate of falls increases to fifty percent (Doherty et al., 2009). Falls are also associated with substantial cost and resource use, approaching $30,000 per fall hospitalization (Woolcott et al., 2011). Identifying at-risk patients is the most important part of management, as applying preventive measures in this vulnerable population can have a profound effect on public health (al-Aama, 2011). Family physicians have a pivotal role in screening older patients for risk of falls, and applying preventive strategies for patients at risk (al-Aama, 2011). Show less	As the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older adults, falls are one of the most common and significant health issues facing people aged 65 years or older (Schneider, Shubert, & Harmon, 2010). Moreover, the rate of falls increases with age (Dykes et al., 2010). Older... adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized for fall-related injuries than any other cause-related injury. It is estimated that one in every four adults over 65 will fall each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). In those over age 80, the rate of falls increases to fifty percent (Doherty et al., 2009). Falls are also associated with substantial cost and resource use, approaching $30,000 per fall hospitalization (Woolcott et al., 2011). Identifying at-risk patients is the most important part of management, as applying preventive measures in this vulnerable population can have a profound effect on public health (al-Aama, 2011). Family physicians have a pivotal role in screening older patients for risk of falls, and applying preventive strategies for patients at risk (al-Aama, 2011). Show more > As the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older adults, falls are one of the most common and significant health issues facing people aged 65 years or older (Schneider, Shubert, & Harmon, 2010). Moreover, the rate of falls increases with age (Dykes et al., 2010). Older adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized for fall-related injuries than any other cause-related injury. It is estimated that one in every four adults over 65 will fall each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). In those over age 80, the rate of falls increases to fifty percent (Doherty et al., 2009). Falls are also associated with substantial cost and resource use, approaching $30,000 per fall hospitalization (Woolcott et al., 2011). Identifying at-risk patients is the most important part of management, as applying preventive measures in this vulnerable population can have a profound effect on public health (al-Aama, 2011). Family physicians have a pivotal role in screening older patients for risk of falls, and applying preventive strategies for patients at risk (al-Aama, 2011). Show less
Clinical Recommendation Statement	*See CMS139v11.html	All older persons who are under the care of a heath professional (or their caregivers) should be asked at least once a year about falls. (American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatric Society/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010) Older persons who present for medical attention... because of a fall, report recurrent falls in the past year, or demonstrate abnormalities of gait and/or balance should have a fall evaluation performed. This evaluation should be performed by a clinician with appropriate skills and experience, which may necessitate referral to a specialist (e.g., geriatrician). (AGS/BGS/AAOS, 2010) Show more > All older persons who are under the care of a heath professional (or their caregivers) should be asked at least once a year about falls. (American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatric Society/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010) Older persons who present for medical attention because of a fall, report recurrent falls in the past year, or demonstrate abnormalities of gait and/or balance should have a fall evaluation performed. This evaluation should be performed by a clinician with appropriate skills and experience, which may necessitate referral to a specialist (e.g., geriatrician). (AGS/BGS/AAOS, 2010) Show less	All older persons who are under the care of a heath professional (or their caregivers) should be asked at least once a year about falls. (American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatric Society/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AGS/BGS/AAOS), 2010) Older persons who present for... medical attention because of a fall, report recurrent falls in the past year, or demonstrate abnormalities of gait and/or balance should have a fall evaluation performed. This evaluation should be performed by a clinician with appropriate skills and experience, which may necessitate referral to a specialist (e.g., geriatrician). (AGS/BGS/AAOS, 2010) Show more > All older persons who are under the care of a heath professional (or their caregivers) should be asked at least once a year about falls. (American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatric Society/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AGS/BGS/AAOS), 2010) Older persons who present for medical attention because of a fall, report recurrent falls in the past year, or demonstrate abnormalities of gait and/or balance should have a fall evaluation performed. This evaluation should be performed by a clinician with appropriate skills and experience, which may necessitate referral to a specialist (e.g., geriatrician). (AGS/BGS/AAOS, 2010) Show less
Improvement Notation	A higher score indicates better quality	A higher score indicates better quality	A higher score indicates better quality
Definition	*See CMS139v11.html	Screening for Future Fall Risk: Assessment of whether an individual has experienced a fall or problems with gait or balance. A specific screening tool is not required for this measure, however potential screening tools include the Morse Fall Scale and the timed Get-Up-And-Go test. Fall: A... sudden, unintentional change in position causing an individual to land at a lower level, on an object, the floor, or the ground, other than as a consequence of sudden onset of paralysis, epileptic seizure, or overwhelming external force. Show more > Screening for Future Fall Risk: Assessment of whether an individual has experienced a fall or problems with gait or balance. A specific screening tool is not required for this measure, however potential screening tools include the Morse Fall Scale and the timed Get-Up-And-Go test. Fall: A sudden, unintentional change in position causing an individual to land at a lower level, on an object, the floor, or the ground, other than as a consequence of sudden onset of paralysis, epileptic seizure, or overwhelming external force. Show less	Screening for Future Fall Risk: Assessment of whether an individual has experienced a fall or problems with gait or balance. A specific screening tool is not required for this measure, however potential screening tools include the Morse Fall Scale and the timed Get-Up-And-Go test. Fall: A... sudden, unintentional change in position causing an individual to land at a lower level, on an object, the floor, or the ground, other than as a consequence of sudden onset of paralysis, epileptic seizure, or overwhelming external force. Show more > Screening for Future Fall Risk: Assessment of whether an individual has experienced a fall or problems with gait or balance. A specific screening tool is not required for this measure, however potential screening tools include the Morse Fall Scale and the timed Get-Up-And-Go test. Fall: A sudden, unintentional change in position causing an individual to land at a lower level, on an object, the floor, or the ground, other than as a consequence of sudden onset of paralysis, epileptic seizure, or overwhelming external force. Show less
Guidance	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 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 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	Patients aged 65 years and older at the start of the measurement period with a visit during the measurement period	Patients aged 65 years and older at the start of the measurement period with a visit during the measurement period	Patients aged 65 years and older 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	Exclude patients who are in hospice care for any part of the measurement period	Exclude patients who are in hospice care for any part of the measurement period	Exclude patients who are in hospice care for any part of the measurement period
Numerator	Patients who were screened for future fall risk at least once within the measurement period	Patients who were screened for future fall risk at least once within the measurement period	Patients who were screened for future fall risk at least once within the measurement period
Numerator Exclusions	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Denominator Exceptions	None	None	None
Telehealth Eligible	Yes	Yes	Yes
Next Version	CMS139v12	CMS139v13	No Version Available
Previous Version	No Version Available	CMS139v11	CMS139v12

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Additional Resources for CMS139v13

CMS139v13-TRN.xlsx

Header

Updated the eCQM version number.
Measure Section:
eCQM Version Number
Source of Change:
Annual Update
Changed all references from NQF to CBE to identify the consensus-based entity role.
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CBE Number
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Annual Update
Updated copyright.
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Copyright
Source of Change:
Annual Update
Updated grammar, wording, and/or formatting to improve readability and consistency.
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Multiple Sections
Source of Change:
Annual Update
Updated references and measure header to reflect current evidence and new or updated literature.
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Multiple Sections
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Measure Lead

Logic

Renamed value set to 'Payer Type' to more accurately reflect the contents and intent of the value set.
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Definitions
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Standards/Technical Update
Updated the value set name for 'Online Assessments' to 'Virtual Encounter' for a more accurate description.
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Definitions
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Measure Lead
Updated the version number of the Hospice Library to v6.0.000 and the library name from 'Hospice' to 'HospiceQDM.'
Measure Section:
Definitions
Source of Change:
Annual Update
Updated the version number of the Measure Authoring Tool (MAT) Global Common Functions Library to v8.0.000 and the library name from 'MATGlobalCommonFunctions' to 'MATGlobalCommonFunctionsQDM.'
Measure Section:
Definitions
Source of Change:
Annual Update
Updated the version number of the Measure Authoring Tool (MAT) Global Common Functions Library to v8.0.000 and the library name from 'MATGlobalCommonFunctions' to 'MATGlobalCommonFunctionsQDM.'
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 Annual Wellness Visit (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1240): Added 3 SNOMED CT codes (86013001, 90526000, 866149003) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback. Added 1 HCPCS code (G0402) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Terminology
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Value set Care Services in Long Term Residential Facility (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.101.12.1014): Deleted 9 CPT codes (99324, 99325, 99326, 99327, 99328, 99334, 99335, 99336, 99337) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Terminology
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Value set Home Healthcare Services (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.101.12.1016): Deleted 1 CPT code (99343) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Terminology
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Measure Lead
Value set Hospice Care Ambulatory (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1584): Added 2 SNOMED CT codes (170935008, 170936009) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback. Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (385765002) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Value set Nursing Facility Visit (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.101.12.1012): Deleted 1 CPT code (99318) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Value set Office Visit (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.101.12.1001): Deleted 2 SNOMED CT codes (30346009, 37894004) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback. Deleted 1 CPT code (99201) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Value set Virtual Encounter (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.101.12.1089): Deleted 2 CPT codes (98969, 99444) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback. Deleted 3 HCPCS codes (G2061, G2062, G2063) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
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Terminology
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Value set (2.16.840.1.114222.4.11.3591): Renamed to Payer Type based on recommended value set naming conventions.
Measure Section:
Terminology
Source of Change:
Annual Update
Value set Physical Therapy Evaluation (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1022): Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (33849009) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.
Measure Section:
Terminology
Source of Change:
Measure Lead
Value set (2.16.840.1.113883.3.464.1003.101.12.1089): Renamed to Virtual Encounter based on recommended value set naming conventions.
Measure Section:
Terminology
Source of Change:
Annual Update