QIP Performance Scores to be Posted

Dialysis clinics should be notified by Dec. 15 about their 2012 Performance Score Certificates (PSC), which must be posted in each facility in clear view of patients and caregivers.

The PSCs are the results of Medicare’s Quality Incentive Program (QIP), which measures quality standards that will be linked to payment in 2012. Reductions in payment can reach up to 2 percent if standards are not met.

The PSC shows each clinic’s Total Performance Score, which includes the facility’s scores and comparisons to the national average. Clinic’s will have five days within being notified to post the PSC in the clinic. The certificates will have to posted for the entire year and will be replaced annually.

The QIP measures for 2012 include;

• Percentage of Medicare patients with an average hemoglobin less than 10 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
• Percentage of Medicare patients with an average hemoglobin greater than 12. g/dL
• Percentage of Medicare patients with a median Urea Reduction Ratio (URR) equal to or greater than 65 percent

The PSCs will be made available on a secure site through the DialysisReports.org website. In addition, providers can access a fact sheet HERE to learn more about the reports and their methodology.

It's also important to keep in mind that the QIP's performance measures will be changing after 2012. To learn more, click HERE to read Dr. Steven Fishbane's analysis of the performance measure changes proposed through 2014.