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Type:
Hosp Outpt eCQMs - Hospital Outpatient eCQMs
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Resolution: Answered
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Priority:
Moderate
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Component/s: None
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None
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Sora Park
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9178902742
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NYP
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CMS0996v6
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CMS0996v5
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Exclusion and/or inclusion of patients appropriately
We are requesting clarification regarding the timing requirements for exceptions related to "PCI not performed within 90 minutes" in the eCQM STEMI specification, specifically when the clinical reason for non-performance occurs outside the ED encounter.
In practice, certain valid exceptions- such as unfavorable coronary anatomy, inability to cross a lesion, or clinical decision to pursue CABG - are often identified after the patient has left the ED, during cardiac catheterization or inpatient care. However, current measure language indicates that the author date/time for the exception needs to occur during the ED encounter, which does not always align with when this determination can be made.
Can you clarify on the following:
- Whether exceptions for PCI not performed may be documented at any point during the hospitalization, rather than strictly during the ED encounter
- Whether CMS intends for these exceptions to be tied to the ED encounter timing, even when the clinical decision or discovery logically occurs later
Thank you for your time and guidance.