CMS releases API to smooth transition to MACRA reporting

Developers now have a tool to help write software for the quality measures practices will need to use as part of the implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).

CMS launched the application program interface (API) tool to allow practices to retrieve the Quality Payment Program (QPP) measures they’ll need. It builds off an earlier tool, called Explore Measures,  which allows clinicians and administrators to select measures which best fit their practice, assemble them into a group, and print or save them for reference.

“The API released today will continue CMS’s focus on user-driven design by providing developers and our partners the opportunity to turn our data into powerful applications,” said Katie Goodrich, MD, CMS’s director of clinical standards and quality. “CMS is committed to collaborating with the organizations that doctors trust to make their lives easier, while supporting their efforts to improve the quality of care across America.”

The tool is an important first step to preparing for MACRA reporting, according to CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt. While CMS backed off from requiring a full year of reporting under the new systems in 2017, offering “pick your pace” options instead, providers will still need to submit some data to avoid a negative payment adjustment.

Several groups, including the American College of Radiology, American College of Physicians and the TMF Health Quality Institute.

“We believe that the API approach will allow CMS, providers, and patients to benefit from the ideas of creative programmers across the country as they build user-friendly interfaces to put information at the fingertips of those who need it,” said Russell Kohl, MD, medical director for practice transformation for the TMF Health Quality Insititute. “Efficiencies like these, that allow physicians to spend less time on administration and more on caring for patients, are the hallmark of our daily efforts to help caregivers, regardless of their location, provide the best care to patients, and we look forward to seeing CMS's results.”