Measures Management System (MMS) 

HSAG and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the CMS Measures Management System, a set of standardized business practices and decision criteria to guide CMS in the development, implementation, and maintenance of high-caliber health care quality measures. The Measures Management System is documented in a series of procedures collectively referred to as the “Blueprint” and was designed based on the quality measurement work at CMS, augmented by the best practices of other major measure developers who develop and maintain measures. The Measures Management System is a transparent process that ensures that the CMS measures are based on the most current scientific evidence. The implementation of the Blueprint began in October 2005. Based on user feedback and the evolution of quality measurement methodology, Version 7.0 of the Blueprint was released in the fall of 2009 and is available at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/QMIS/mmsBlueprint.asp.

HSAG also assists CMS in designing a Web-based, interactive, searchable data base called the Quality Measures Management Information System (QMIS). HSAG works closely with the QMIS contractor to develop this Web-based tool that houses the CMS measures’ technical specifications. It also provides a centralized Web space for CMS measure contractors to manage the technical expert panel and solicit public comments on measures.

Through this project, HSAG supports the CMS Quality Measurement & Health Assessment Group (QMHAG) Division by conducting the following tasks:

• Provides significant support in developing their long range plans for measure development, endorsement, and maintenance activities by conducting measure gap analyses and focused environmental scans. HSAG developed the CMS Measure Inventory that includes all current and future CMS measures in all health care settings and updates it quarterly. In addition, on a monthly basis, HSAG updates the Master Planning Calendar that includes key dates for measure development, implementation, and maintenance activities. QMHAG uses these tools to prioritize measure activities and in the formal scheduling and allocation of resources.
• Provides technical assistance to CMS measure development contractors regarding the MMS and the use of QMIS.
• Collaborates with the National Quality Forum (NQF), the American Medical Association (AMA)-Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement, The Joint Commission (JCAHO), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other major measure developers in developing quality measurement policies and methodology.
• Monitors emerging issues in quality measurement, such as the development of quality measures from electronic health records.
• Monitors and manages the ongoing feedback from the public on existing CMS measures, measures in development, and the Measures Management System.
• Identifies opportunities for measure harmonization.
• Provides educational sessions to QMHSAG staff and management regarding the Measures Management System and new developments in the quality measure environment.

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