Thank you for your inquiry regarding CMS165v14 (2026 Performance Period). The measure numerator evaluates the most recent qualifying BP. The BP readings are not tied to a specific encounter, thus BP readings do not need to be during a visit. The criteria is further explained in the measure guidance (quoted below). "In reference to the numerator element, only blood pressure readings performed by a clinician or an automated blood pressure monitor or device are acceptable for numerator compliance with this measure. This includes blood pressures taken in person by the clinical staff, e.g. medical assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, and blood pressures measured remotely by electronic monitoring devices capable of transmitting the blood pressure data to the clinician. Blood pressure readings taken by an automated blood pressure monitor or device and conveyed by the patient to the clinician are also acceptable. It is the clinician’s responsibility and discretion to confirm the automated blood pressure monitor or device used to obtain the blood pressure is considered acceptable and reliable and whether the blood pressure reading is considered accurate before documenting it in the patient’s medical record. Do not include BP readings taken during an acute inpatient stay or an ED visit. If no blood pressure is recorded during the measurement period, the patient's blood pressure is assumed "not controlled". If there are multiple blood pressure readings on the same day, use the lowest systolic and the lowest diastolic reading as the most recent blood pressure reading. Ranges and thresholds do not meet criteria for this measure. A distinct numeric result for both the systolic and diastolic BP reading is required for numerator compliance." Additional guidance on qualifying blood pressure readings can be found in the measure specification's "Guidance" section. Please review the measure specification for further details about measure requirements: https://ecqi.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/ecqm/measures/CMS165-v14.0.000-QDM.html . If you need assistance reading an eCQM, please refer to the resources available at eCQI Resource Center, such as "Guide for Reading eCQMs" or "Implementation Checklist eCQM Annual Update": https://ecqi.healthit.gov/ep-ec?qt-tabs_ep=ecqm-resources&global_measure_group=eCQMs .