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"Medication, Active"

Performance/Reporting Period
2020
QDM Datatype (QDM Version 5.4):

Data elements that meet criteria using this datatype should document that the medication indicated by the QDM category and its corresponding value set is being taken by the patient. Keep in mind that when this datatype is used with timing relationships, the criterion is looking for a medication being taken for the time frame indicated by the timing relationships.

A QDM Known Issue has been identified related to this datatype. To see this QDM known Issue, please click here.  

Timing: The Relevant Period addresses:

  • startTime - when the medication is first known to be used (generally the time of entry on the medication list),
  • stopTime - when the medication is discontinued (generally, the time discontinuation is recorded on the medication list)
QDM Category (QDM Version 5.4)

Medication

Medication represents clinical drugs or chemical substances intended for use in the medical diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease. Medications are defined as direct referenced values or value sets containing values derived from code systems such as RxNorm.

QDM Attributes

dosage

Details of how medication is taken or is to be taken, i.e., the quantity (mg, cc, tablets) to be taken at a single administration.

NOTE: Although 2020 eCQMs use QDM Version 5.4, the QDM Version 5.5 Guidance Update provides clarification to the definition of this attribute which may be helpful when implementing eCQMs for 2020 Reporting/Performance periods.

QDM Version 5.5 Guidance Update:
Details of how much medication is taken or is to be taken, i.e., the quantity (mg, cc, tablets) to be taken at a single administration.

frequency

Indicates how frequently the medication or substance: is administered to a patient for an active medication (Medication, Active), was administered to the patient (Medication, Administered and Substance, Administered), should be taken by the patient or administered to the patient (Medication, Discharge; Medication, Dispensed; Medication, Order; and Substance, Order), is recommended to be given to the patient (Substance, Recommended).

relevantPeriod

Relevant Period addresses the time between the start of an action to the end of an action. Each datatype using relevant period defines specific definitions for the start and stop time for the action listed.

route

Refers to the path by which the medication or substance should be taken into the body system, such as intradermally, intrathecally, intramuscularly, intranasally, intravenously, orally, rectally, subcutaneously, sublingually, topically, or vaginally.
Last Updated: Jul 08, 2021