CMS-165 Controlling High Blood Pressure- Patient reported BP readings

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    • Type: EC eCQMs - Eligible Clinicians
    • Resolution: Answered
    • Priority: Moderate
    • Component/s: None
    • None
    • Baylor College of Medicine
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      Thank you for your inquiry regarding CMS165v14 (2026 Performance Period). Patient-reported blood pressure readings are allowed, provided they are taken using a remote monitoring device approved by the clinician. We do not maintain a list of valid remote monitoring devices for this measure. However, readings taken with non-digital devices, such as a manual blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, are prohibited from inclusion in the measure. Determining the acceptability, reliability and validity of a remote monitoring device is left to the discretion of the clinician. Valid readings may be transmitted directly from the device to the clinician, conveyed to the clinician by the patient (such as via a patient portal), or read from the device by the clinician during an in-person or virtual encounter.

      If you have questions about reading the measure specification or understanding data requirements, you may refer to the "Guide for Reading eCQMs" for additional guidance. If you have questions regarding implementing the measure, you may refer to the "Implementation Checklist for eCQM Annual Update" for additional guidance. These resources can be found in the eCQI Resource Center: https://ecqi.healthit.gov/ep-ec?qt-tabs_ep=ecqm-resources&global_measure_group=eCQMs
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      Thank you for your inquiry regarding CMS165v14 (2026 Performance Period). Patient-reported blood pressure readings are allowed, provided they are taken using a remote monitoring device approved by the clinician. We do not maintain a list of valid remote monitoring devices for this measure. However, readings taken with non-digital devices, such as a manual blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, are prohibited from inclusion in the measure. Determining the acceptability, reliability and validity of a remote monitoring device is left to the discretion of the clinician. Valid readings may be transmitted directly from the device to the clinician, conveyed to the clinician by the patient (such as via a patient portal), or read from the device by the clinician during an in-person or virtual encounter. If you have questions about reading the measure specification or understanding data requirements, you may refer to the "Guide for Reading eCQMs" for additional guidance. If you have questions regarding implementing the measure, you may refer to the "Implementation Checklist for eCQM Annual Update" for additional guidance. These resources can be found in the eCQI Resource Center: https://ecqi.healthit.gov/ep-ec?qt-tabs_ep=ecqm-resources&global_measure_group=eCQMs
    • CMS0165v14
    • CMS0165v13
    • Clarification needed on patient reported readings to ensure compliance with numerator requirements

      We need clarification on the guidance for this measure, as quoted in CQM8220.

      "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."

      Please specify what type of home devices are eligible to use for numerator compliance on this measure, as well as the timing of the reading. Does the patient reported reading need to be conveyed during a telemedicine visit, or does this mean that a patient can send their blood pressure readings taken at any time of the day or night to the clinician in a patient portal message or questionnaire and that the clinician can just add it to the chart? How would the clinician verify the date and time the reading was done and that the device used was not just a manual device? 

            Assignee:
            AIR EC eCQM Team
            Reporter:
            Gail Henson-Swaney
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              Created:
              Updated:
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