CMS-10530.ASCQR Supporting Statement Part B (proposed rule)

Supporting Statement - Part B

Submission of Information for the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program

Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Describe potential respondent universe.

All ASCs receiving reimbursement under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) filing 240 or more claims in an applicable payment determination year in the United States; approximately 4,200 facilities.

2. Describe procedures for collecting information.

Data have been collected from quality data codes (QDCs) entered on Medicare non-institutional claims via the CMS-1500 form, via on-line submission directly to CMS through a secure portal to CMS’ Hospital Quality Reporting (HQR) system.

Data may be patient-level or summary or aggregate data submitted directly to CMS via a secure web portal or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by either the hospital or their authorized vendor(s), as specified.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates.

To maximize response rates, the ASCQR Program provides payment consequences related to participation requirements. Specifically, ASCs that do not meet program requirements will receive a 2.0 percentage point reduction to their full annual increase provided under the revised ASC payment system for a given CY. In addition, CMS provides abstraction and submission tools, education and outreach, technical assistance to any ASCs requiring assistance with program requirements.

In an effort to reduce burden and thereby maximize response rates, ASCs are allowed to sample for measures that require direct data entry (i.e., Endoscopy/Polyp Surveillance, Cataract Visual Function, and Normothermia Outcome). Sample size requirements per year per ASC for these measures is based on an ASC’s denominator population for a measure. ASCs are at liberty to utilize sampling techniques of their choosing.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods.

(b) Sampling for Chart-Abstracted Data for the ASCQR Program

For some measures under the ASCQR Program, ASCs may submit samples case sizes of their population of either 63 cases for ASCs with a population size of between 0 and 900 and 96 cases for ASCs with a population size of greater than 900 to reduce burden, but they are able to submit more if they so choose. ASCs that choose to sample should ensure that the sampled data represents their ASC population by using either the simple random sampling or systematic random sampling method and that the sampling techniques are applied consistently within a quarter. For example, quarterly samples for a sampling population should use consistent sampling techniques across the quarterly submission period. ASCs may also submit measure data for the entire applicable patient population in lieu of sampling.

5. Provide name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects.

Anita Bhatia, PhD, MPH Grace Snyder, JD, MPH

410-786-7236 410-786-0700