What are eCQMs (electronic Clinical Quality Measures) and why are they used in MIPS?

• A. Measures derived from electronic data to assess cost performance; used for the Cost category.
• B. Measures derived from electronic data to assess quality performance; used for the Quality performance category.
• C. Measures based on clinician notes reviewed manually.
• D. Measures collected only from patient surveys.

Answer: (B)

eCQMs are electronic Clinical Quality Measures derived from data already stored in electronic health records. In MIPS, these measures are used to assess quality performance in the Quality category. The data come from structured EHR information—like diagnoses, medications, lab results, and procedures—so they can be calculated automatically rather than by manual chart review. This makes reporting more efficient and allows consistent, standardized comparison of care quality across providers. They focus on how well care aligns with evidence-based guidelines and whether desired outcomes or appropriate processes are achieved. They aren’t based on clinician notes reviewed manually or solely on patient surveys, and they’re distinct from cost measures, which belong to a different category.