National Quality Forum opens comment period for outpatient imaging efficiency

The National Quality Forum (NQF) is seeking public comment on measures for public accountability and quality improvement for diagnostic outpatient imaging, as detailed in its draft report, National Voluntary Consensus Standards for Outpatient Imaging Efficiency.

The NQF Outpatient Imaging Steering Committee has evaluated candidate measures against the NQF-endorsed measure evaluation criteria of importance, scientific acceptability, usability and feasibility, as well as standard measure specifications identified by the committee to develop the report, which was announced on July 31.

The NQF said it will take into consideration input received to modify the draft report as appropriate, prior to the NQF member vote for endorsement of the candidate measures.

The American College of Radiology (ACR)/American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement submitted eight measures to the NQF for review under the project. The ACR said the measures address several areas for improvement, including carotid imaging, mammography services and dose reduction.

The ACR said it strongly encourages member input and comments on the report.

Measures endorsed by the NQF may be included in CMS value-based purchasing programs such as the Physicians Quality Reporting Initiative and the Hospital Outpatient Quality Data Reporting Program, according to the ACR.

The public comment period is open until Aug. 22, and the NQF member comment period ends Aug. 29.

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