For practices recognized under the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, understanding and meeting the NCQA PCMH 2025 annual reporting requirements is critical to sustaining recognition.  NCQA continues to refine its NCQA PCMH standards and guidelines , emphasizing team structure, care continuity and data integrity. Here’s what your practice needs to do to stay compliant and ensure a smooth reporting process. This blog is a continuation of our piece back in July 2024, which listed three updates to NCQA PCMH's 2025 annual reporting requirements . What is NCQA PCMH?  The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a model of care that emphasizes care coordination, patient engagement and continuous quality improvement. The PCMH framework is designed to improve healthcare outcomes by fostering strong patient-provider relationships and enhancing team-based care.  Since its inception, the NCQA PCMH program has evolved to...

Accurate and standardized healthcare data are essential for informed decision-making and compliance. In New York state, the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) plays a critical role in collecting and analyzing patient data. Central to this system is the SPARCS data dictionary, a comprehensive resource that ensures consistency in data reporting across healthcare providers. This blog will explore the SPARCS data dictionary , including:  key components and practical applications;  how it can streamline healthcare operations; and   how understanding it can simplify your submission routines.   We will also cover SPARCS data automation and DataGen’s automated SPARCS data submission tool, UDS (UIS Data System™), and how it can help you achieve 100% accuracy and compliance with minimal effort.  Who should use this SPARCS data dictionary?   Key roles in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)  This SPARCS data dictionary is a valuabl...

The end of the CJR model: A look back at its evolution  In October 2024, the final episodes of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model were initiated, with all episodes ending by Dec. 31, 2024. This was the final performance year of CJR, which spanned eight years overall.   CJR began Apr. 1, 2016. It was CMS’ first mandatory bundled payment model. Hospitals were held financially accountable for lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) episodes of care and were incentivized to improve care coordination for patients across the continuum.    Key insights from CJR: Successes, adjustments and challenges  CJR had numerous ups and downs over the years, as its scope was adjusted over several administrations through the rule-making process. Here are the five main highlights.  1. CJR’s mandatory participation: A changing landscape  When the CJR model was introduced, participation was mandatory for hospitals in 67 metropolitan statistical a...