McKesson's Recognition in Clinical Data Management
In a significant achievement for the healthcare industry, McKesson has been distinguished as a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the ninth consecutive year that CMS has recognized McKesson, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing clinical data reporting for healthcare providers.
Streamlined Reporting for Healthcare Providers
This designation allows McKesson to play a crucial role in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), facilitating the collection and reporting of clinical data on behalf of clinicians who utilize their iKnowMed electronic health record and the innovative Practice Insights performance analytics tool. With Practice Insights, healthcare practices can seamlessly submit quality measures to CMS while reducing administrative burdens.
Enhancing Patient Care and Operational Efficiency
Jason Hammonds, Chief Operating Officer of Oncology & Specialty at McKesson, highlighted that the company is dedicated to empowering community oncology practices. The QCDR designation for 2025 will enable providers to gather and report quality measures more efficiently, allowing them to access practice data and analytics tailored to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Oncology-Specific Quality Measures
Practice Insights is designed to support nine oncology-specific QCDR measures aimed at improving care quality and cost-effectiveness. Seven of these measures have been developed with input from practitioners within a network of community-based providers:
- Resolution or Improvement of a Health-Related Social Need
- Advance Care Planning in Metastatic Cancer Patients
- Hepatitis B Serology Testing and Prophylactic Treatment Prior to Anti-CD20 Drugs
- Patient-Reported Pain Improvement
- Supportive Care Drug Utilization in Last Days of Life
- Mutation Testing for Stage IV Lung Cancer Before Targeted Therapy
- Utilization of Prophylactic GCSF for Cancer Patients on Low-Risk Chemotherapy
The remaining two measures were developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and are included once again for the third year:
- Antiemetic Therapy for Low- and Minimal-Emetic-Risk Antineoplastic Agents in Infusion Centers
- Appropriate Antiemetic Therapy for High- and Moderate-Emetic-Risk Antineoplastic Agents in Infusion Centers
Continued Growth and Recognition
CMS recognized the importance of McKesson’s measures by selecting two for the 2024 Advancing Cancer Care MIPS Value Pathways (MVP): Mutation Testing for Stage IV Lung Cancer and Prophylactic GCSF Utilization for Patients Undergoing Low-Risk Chemotherapy. This recognition establishes Practice Insights as a leader in quality care measures for the oncology field.
Innovative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures
Among the notable advancements for 2025 is the introduction of a patient-reported outcomes measure aimed at assessing outcomes tied to health-related social needs (HRSNs). This innovative measure is significant as it not only identifies these needs but also monitors the resolution of issues, marking a shift towards more comprehensive patient care.
Commitment to Quality in Oncology Care
Erin Crum, Senior Director of Quality Strategy and Innovation at McKesson, expresses pride in this development, emphasizing a holistic approach to oncology that supports both patient care and operational improvements. This commitment to quality is evident as McKesson continues to advocate for powerful measures that impact patients positively.
About McKesson Corporation
McKesson Corporation stands as a leader in healthcare services, focusing on advancing patient outcomes across various platforms. Collaborating with biopharma companies, care providers, and more, McKesson is dedicated to improving the accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare solutions.
About McKesson Oncology and Specialty Solutions
In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer treatment, McKesson's extensive portfolio supports providers in overcoming challenges associated with new therapies. Their innovations in research, insights, and patient-centered services contribute significantly to enhancing oncology care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is McKesson's role as a Qualified Clinical Data Registry?
McKesson, recognized by CMS, collects and reports clinical data for providers to streamline MIPS participation.
How does Practice Insights benefit healthcare providers?
It enables providers to submit quality measures directly to CMS, reducing administrative burdens and combining necessary analytics.
What oncology-specific measures are included in Practice Insights?
Practice Insights supports nine QCDR measures aimed at improving quality and cost-effectiveness in oncology care.
What is the significance of patient-reported outcomes measures?
They allow for tracking patient needs and measuring the efficacy of interventions on health-related social needs.
How does McKesson contribute to oncology care improvement?
Through collaborations and advancements in clinical trials, McKesson supports better access to cutting-edge cancer treatments and insights.
