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On behalf of CMS, Arbor Research is convening a series of Clinical Technical Expert Panels in the spring of 2012. Arbor Research works in collaboration with the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology and Cost Center (UM-KECC) on the development and maintenance of the ESRD quality measures for CMS. This is the third round of new measure development undertaken by Arbor Research for
CMS.
The initial rounds of measure development took place in 2006 and 2010,
collectively resulting in measures in anemia management, dialysis adequacy, vascular access, mineral metabolism, hospitalization, survival, and a set of measures specific to the pediatric population.
In 2012 Arbor Research continues its measure development support for CMS, leading the next round of work for new clinical measures. Working closely with CMS and the expert panels, new measures are being considered in the areas of hospitalization, dialysis adequacy to encompass care delivered across multiple hemodialysis treatment modalities, immunization and preventive care, pediatric peritoneal dialysis adequacy, and measures for anemia management.
The nominations process for the expert panels is now closed. CMS expects to post the list of selected panel members in February on the CMS website. All proposed measures are submitted to the National Quality Forum (NQF), a consensus development body. NQF committees perform reviews of the candidate measures and issue recommendations for endorsement to its voting members.
Current and new quality measures will be included in CROWNWeb, a data collection system to be used by all Medicare-certified dialysis facilities for capturing clinical data. CMS will implement the final NQF-endorsed measures as part of its ongoing ESRD quality initiatives. More information on the 2012 technical expert panels will be provided as it becomes available.
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