PCHAlliance Signs Letter to CMS Urging Use of Simple Patient-Centered Connected Health Measures for Promoting Interoperability Program
On June 25, PCHAlliance asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use simple patient-centered connected care measures of patient generated health data (PGHD) as part of its Promoting Interoperability program for eligible hospitals. Specifically, PCHAlliance noted in its comments that CMS’ proposal to replace all patient-centered connected care measures with a requirement for electronic health record (EHR) access functionality is not aligned with evidence-based patient-provider connected health and is not a measure of patient engagement. Citing an extensive clinical evidence base for improved care associated with hospital use of post discharge remote patient monitoring for certain patients, PCHAlliance recommends CMS uses of PGHD, which are simple yes/no information/responses by an eligible hospital, as an integral part of a Promoting Interoperability program:
- 90-day post-discharge remote patient monitoring programs for specified chronic conditions, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, COPD, and multiple chronic conditions
- 90-day post discharge medication reminder/medication adherence programs
- 90-day post-discharge patient education and care management programs
CMS will review comments over the next 60 days, and a final rule will likely be released in the late summer/early fall.