Brief Description of Measure:

​CMS165: Controlling High Blood Pressure:
Percentage of patients 18-85 years of age who had a diagnosis of hypertension overlapping the measurement period or the year prior to the measurement period, and whose most recent blood pressure was adequately controlled (<140/90mmHg) during the measurement period

Description of Issue:

We have received multiple questions from implementers regarding the guidance language below, in the second and third statements, that is not programmable:
 
Do not include BP readings:
-Taken during an acute inpatient stay or an ED visit
-Taken on the same day as a diagnostic test or diagnostic or therapeutic procedure that requires a change in diet or change in medication on or one day before the day of the test or procedure, with the exception of fasting blood tests.
-Taken by the patient using a non-digital device such as with a manual blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope.
 ** 
These statements have caused confusion as they do not correlate with the measure's technical specifications.

Proposed Solution:

We are removing the guidance language related to unprogrammable logic. 

Guidance after change:

Do not include BP readings:
-Taken during an acute inpatient stay or an ED visit

Rationale for Change:

​​Removing the two statements related to blood pressure readings from the guidance field that are not included in the technical specification will reduce confusion among implementers.