Each year, CMS updates the eCQMs for potential use in CMS quality reporting programs and publishes them on the eCQI Resource Center. CMS updates the specifications to align with current clinical guidelines and code systems so they remain relevant and actionable within the clinical care setting. CMS requires the use of most current version of the eCQMs as specified and intended for the applicable performance/reporting periods for all quality reporting programs.
CMS defines the performance period for eligible clinicians as the measure data capture period of the calendar year between January 1 and December 31. Eligible clinicians should use the updated eCQMs to electronically report 2021 clinical quality measure data for CMS quality reporting programs. Measures will not be eligible for 2021 reporting unless and until they are proposed and finalized through notice-and-comment rulemaking for each applicable program.
In 2021, CMS updated eCQMs for these programs:
- Quality Payment Program: The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (Advanced APMs)
- APM: Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+)
- APM: Primary Care First (PCF)
- Medicaid Promoting Interoperability Program for Eligible Professionals