FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• About the Measure Sets
• How to Use the Tool
• Technical Issues with the Tool
• Additional Measure Benchmarks
• Other

About the Measure Sets

Q: What measure sets are included in the Buying Value Measure Selection Tool spreadsheet?

A: The following national measure sets are included in the spreadsheet (as of June 2024):

Additionally, the following state measures sets are included in the spreadsheet (as of June 2024):

Q: I do not know what some of these measure sets are.  How do I find out more about them?

A: The “Links to Source Documents” tab in the spreadsheet lists all of the measure sets that are included in the tool, along with a brief description of the measure set, when the measure set was last updated, and links that will take you to each measure source website to learn more.

Q: For what time periods are these measure sets applicable?

A: The time period for which each measure set is applicable is usually noted in the “Version Date” column in the table above and throughout the Buying Value tool. “CY” (“calendar year”) is used to indicate the performance measurement year to which the measures are to be applied. There is one instance in which the performance measurement year is not the calendar year, but the federal fiscal year (indicated by “FY”). There are also some instances in which a measure set was not created for a specific measurement year. When this last scenario has occurred, we have noted the date that the measure set was published.

Q: What happens when these measure sets are updated?

A: We will revise the measures as updates become available. Please note that there may be a time lag between when a measure set is updated and when a new version of the Buying Value Measure Selection Tool may be available.

How to Use the Tool

Q: What is the best way to use the Buying Value Measure Selection Tool? Can I download the spreadsheet?

A: Yes, you can find the spreadsheet under “The Buying Value Measure Selection Tool” in the Resources section of the Buying Value Measure Selection Tool website. It is best if you save the spreadsheet if you intend to use it.

Q: I want to add a measure set that is not already included into the spreadsheet.  How can I do that?

A: You can add any measure set into the “Commercial and State Measure Sets” section of the tool. Type in the name of the measure set in row 5. Indicate the inclusion of a measure in the newly added measure set by typing “Yes” into the appropriate cells. The addition of these measures will automatically be included in the “Calculation” section of the tool. For more information, feel free to watch the “how-to” video (also found under “Step 3” under “The Buying Value Measure Selection Tool” portion of the website).

Technical Issues with the Tool

Q: I am unable to see all the fields in the spreadsheet.  What is the best way to view the spreadsheet?

A: To facilitate your ability to see the fields clearly in the spreadsheet, select “View” in Excel and click on “Zoom.” A Zoom dropdown box will appear and you can select 50% or 75%. This will better allow you to see the fields in the spreadsheet.

Q: I typed into a cell that used to have a formula and now certain information does not automatically populate.  What do I do?

A:  Once you have written over the formulas (either accidently or to add a measure that does not have an NQF number), everything in that row must be manually entered. If you change your mind, you will need to copy/paste a complete row with intact formulas, in order for that row to auto-populate in the future.

Q: I am scoring a measure that has an NQF number, but it is no longer endorsed.  Is there anything I should keep in mind moving forward?

A: Yes, a measure with an NQF number can only accurately receive a score of “yes” for the “Evidence-based and scientifically acceptable” criterion if the measure is currently endorsed by NQF.

Additional Measure Benchmarks

Q: What is a benchmark?

A: For purposes of the Buying Value Benchmark Repository, a benchmark represents the performance of an outside entity for specific performance measures.

Q: Where can I find benchmarks for measures not included in the Buying Value Benchmark Repository Spreadsheet?

A: The Buying Value Benchmark Repository Spreadsheet only includes measures for homegrown measures, non-HEDIS measures for which benchmark data are not available, and modified HEDIS measures. However, data for additional measures can be available either free or for purchase online. For example:

• Benchmarks for NCQA HEDIS measures are available for purchase through NCQA’s Quality Compass product. There are separate licenses for commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare product lines. Data, including various percentiles and average rates, are available annually at the plan, state, regional, and national levels.
• Benchmarks for measures in CMS’ Medicaid Core Sets are available through CMS’ website. Data are available annually at the state level for measures that are reported by at least 25 states and which met internal standards of data quality. There are separate benchmarks available for the Adult Core Set and for the Child Core Set. In addition, state-specific quality profiles can be found on the State Medicaid and CHIP Profiles
• Benchmarks for measures in CMS’ various hospital-focused programs (e.g., healthcare-associated infection measures, readmission measures) can be found through CMS’ Hospital Compare website. Data are available quarterly at the facility, state, and national levels. Please note other CMS measures are available through CMS’ data website (e.g., nursing homes, health homes, long-term care, etc.).
• Benchmarks for questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey can be found on the CDC’s BRFSS website. Data are available annually.
• Hospital-specific performance for measures related to inpatient care, medication safety, infections, high-risk surgery, cancer surgery, maternity care, and pediatric care can be found through The Leapfrog Group.

Other

Q: I have a question that has not been addressed on this website.  How can I ask it?

A: If you submit a question using the “Contact Us” section of our website, we will do our best to answer it.