What are Core Measures and Why are They Important?

• In 1999 the Joint Commission (a governing body that accredits healthcare institutions) created a Cardiovascular Conditions Clinical Advisory Panel in a quest for “core” measures of hospital care.
• A Core Measure is an evidenced-based performance measure that is a process measure (how care is provided). 
• In 2001, the Joint Commission announced an expansion to four of these “core measures” which are: acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care improvement. 
• The Joint Commission partnered with CMS and this became the basis for the 7th Scope of Work and for accreditation of hospitals. 
• Hospitals started collecting data on July 1, 2002. 
• In November 2003, CMS and the Joint Commission agreed on one common set of measure specifications. 
• Healthcare facilities must meet the four measures to be in compliance with both organizations. 
• 70 percent of the reimbursement from CMS to hospitals will center on meeting these measures. 
• For Joint Commission accreditation after January 2012, healthcare facilities must achieve at least an 85 percent compliance on 22 of these measures in order to pass its accreditation. 

Everyone plays a role in helping their organization to achieve this level of success. We owe it to ourselves and to our patients.