CHRISTUS Health Quality Care Alliance
CHRISTUS Health operates an accountable care organization (ACO) called the CHRISTUS Health Quality Care Alliance (CHQCA). We contract with CMS in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) to care for traditional Medicare patients with the goals of improving quality and reducing unnecessary spending. CHQCA is a large network of clinical partners dedicated to achieving the triple aim of healthcare: better health, better care, smarter spending.
Why Should an Independent Practice Join CHQCA?
CHQCA has over 2,700 clinical network partners who care for more than 67,000 patients across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico. CHQCA's dedicated team provides support and expertise to ensure our network partners succeed. CHQCA updates network partners on regulatory changes from CMS and shares actionable reports and insights with access to analytical data tools. Our team works alongside your practice to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs for patients.
- Risk Adjustment support and education
- Home Health recertification
- Quality Reporting support
- Promoting Interoperability support
What are the Financial Risks to Joining?
There are no fees to join CHQCA and we have a strong history of success. CHQCA has participated in the Medicare Shared Savings Program since 2016 and has a proven track record of increasing ed savings for CMS. CHQCA has achieved shared savings from CMS since 2017, which are shared with our network partners that are based on the practice’s overall performance and panel size.
How Does CHQCA Help with MIPS?
The CHRISTUS Health Quality Care Alliance is a part of the ENHANCED Track of the MSSP. This allows for our participants to report as an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM). An Advanced APM is exempt from reporting MIPS. No ACO Participants will be required to report MIPS. However, quality reporting is still required while participating in an ACO.
What are the Quality Measures?
CHQCA currently uses Medicare Clinical Quality Measures (MCQMs) to report quality performance under the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Each performance year, ACOs are required to submit quality data for the measures defined by CMS. CHQCA collects and aggregates data from each participant to prepare the final performance year quality submission to CMS.
- Controlling A1C Levels
- Screening for Depression and Follow-up Plan
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Controlling High Blood Pressure
What are the Requirements for Promoting Interoperability?
CHCQA leverages Promoting Interoperability (PI) measures to evaluate and report electronic health record (EHR) use and data exchange capabilities. Each performance year, ACOs must meet PI requirements as defined by CMS. CHCQA supports clinics who are required to report PI through the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
e-Prescribing
Provide patients with electronic access to their health information
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
Report to the following public health or clinical data registries:
- Immunization Registry Reporting (Required)
- Electronic Case Reporting (Required)
- PH Registry/Clinical Data Registry/Syndromic Surveillance (Optional)
Query of Prescription Drug Monitoring (PDMP)
Controlling High Blood Pressure
What are the Expectations Once Involved in the ACO?
CHQCA is made up of highly motivated, committed, and exceptional clinicians who want to align with like-minded clinical partners that share their dedication to the triple aim. Throughout the year, the ACO hosts meetings that network partners are expected to attend. CHQCA regularly communicates with participants to ensure a successful partnership resulting in high-quality, cost-effective care.