Quality Metrics in Urology

Introduction: The focus of quality metrics is to ensure that physicians provide and practice within a standard of care, and to maximize patient benefit and safety. Several quality reporting programs in urology such as SCIP (Surgical Care Improvement Project, PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System) and OPPE (Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation)/FPPE (Focused Professional Practice Evaluation) have been used to review and monitor standards of care and improve medical care quality. Urological databases are emerging with the main focus of reviewing and assessing health care delivery quality and patient outcomes. Such data will likely influence future quality improvement measures and standards. Awareness and understanding of these programs and measurements are vital to continued successful urological practice. Methods: AUA (American Urological Association) and CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) documents were used. We reviewed program specific requirements, including minimal required data, timeline requirements, and specific incentives and penalties. Results: Quality measures and programs in urology aim to monitor, standardize and improve medical care delivery in the United States. Since the implementation of electronic health records, the ability to review individual and group medical practices has become available and reviewable by outside agencies. Universal practice standards and government monitoring of individual and group achievement of those expectations are the current direction of health care. This is exemplified by the United States DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) announcement of transitioning Medicare to a value based reimbursement model and the 9 HCTTF (Health Care Transformation Task Force) principles for accountable care organization footprint expansion. Conclusions: The quality era has arrived. Its continued impact on health care delivery will be noted as public reporting and payment modifications based on quality indicators and performance metrics.