July 19, 2007
MINUTES
Kidney Care Quality Alliance Steering Committee
July 19, 2007
Conference Call
Attendees
| ANNA | Gail Wick |
| FMC | Ray Hakim |
| NKF | Dolph Chianchiano |
| RPA | Allen Nissenson |
| ASPN | Barbara Fivush |
| KCP | Linda Keegan |
| Administrative Arm Patton Boggs | Kathy Lester, Julie Black |
Summary
The Steering Committee discussed the harmonization efforts with the Consortium, revised the quality of life patient education measures, reviewed the harmonized measures, and discussed the question of joint ownership with CMS.
Report on Harmonization with the Consortium
Staff indicated that the KCQA experts have met on several occasions with the Consortium and CMS to harmonize measures. The Consortium staff stated that its work group has rejected some of the National Quality Forum’s (NQF) recommended modifications. Specifically, the Consortium would not separate the outcomes and process components of the numerator. The Consortium indicated it would not harmonize measures with the KCQA.
Discussion of KCQA Patient Education Measures
The Steering Committee discussed the NQF recommendation to focus on prevalent patients and to list additional modalities in the numerator. Members expressed concern that prevalent, unless properly defined, would not include new patients as part of the measure. Staff will seek clarification from Karen Pace on this matter. Members agreed to eliminate mention of Stage IV in the measure.
Discussion of KCQA Harmonized Measures
The Steering Committee approved all of the KCQA measures revised as specified by the NQF:
- 23a – Adequacy of Dialysis- Physician
- 23b – Adequacy of Dialysis- Physician
- 43a – Vascular Access- Physician
- 43b – Vascular Access- Physician
- 26 – Influenza Vaccination in the ESRD Population- Facilities
- 33 – Patient Education Awareness Quality of Life- Facilities
- 34 – Patient Education Awareness Quality of Life- Physician.
Discussion of Next Steps
Staff will correspond with Karen Pace to relay additional questions and will communicate with the Steering Committee if CMS answers the question of joint ownership of the measures. The Steering Committee will meet again on July 20 at 11:00 a.m. EDT.
