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+ How does using the RCR for PQRI reporting purposes differ from the PQRI data collection that my practice is already doing through the claims process?
- How does using the RCR for PQRI reporting purposes differ from the PQRI data collection that my practice is already doing through the claims process?
The information is similar, but the process for reporting is much simpler.
Until recently, physicians were required to report to CMS for PQRI by using CPT-II codes on claims. Although this is still possible, the process is onerous, provides little feedback to the providers on how they are doing in meeting the quality measures, and is far from a sure way to obtain the CMS bonus payment. For 2007, only slightly more than half of providers who submitted data actually received a bonus payment — largely due to submission errors.
In 2008, CMS announced that it would allow registry reporting for PQRI, making the process much less onerous — making it more likely to achieve the bonus payment providers desire. The RCR is able to capture data used for PQRI reporting, and users can opt to have their data submitted on their behalf to CMS. Registry reporting options provide more choices in reporting intervals and also allow reporting to occur periodically instead of concurrently with the submission of claims.
+ How does the RCR interact with the ACR's AIM practice improvement modules?
- How does the RCR interact with the ACR's AIM practice improvement modules?
The RCR is interoperable with ACR AIM: RA and AIM: Gout, the ACR's practice improvement modules, which can be used to meet the ABIM Maintenance of Certification requirements. RCR users who are also enrolled in a practice improvement module will save considerable time through single data entry for both purposes. For more information on Maintenance of Certification, the ACR’s AIM practice improvement modules, or how they interact with the RCR, please contact ACR staff Julie Anderson at or 404-633-3777, ext. 338.
+ Do I have to enter data manually, or can some of it be pulled from other sources?
- Do I have to enter data manually, or can some of it be pulled from other sources?
Individual patient records can be manually established in the RCR one patient at a time. However, many practices will find it considerably easier to use RCR functionality that allows them to upload relevant patient populations from their billing systems. These patient records can then be expanded with the clinical information that relates to the quality measures in the RCR.
Ultimately, the ACR’s goal is for the RCR is to be interoperable with EMRs. For several EMRs, interoperability with the RCR is already technically possible, but EMR companies must receive requests for this functionality directly from their users for the EMR to create the necessary interfaces. Any provider willing to work with the ACR and Outcome to implement a data integration solution with their EMR should about this functionality.
+ Who has access to my practice’s data?
- Who has access to my practice’s data?
Only the individual practice and Outcome have access to the identifiable patient data collected through the RCR. Different permission levels accommodate practitioners who would like office staff to access their RCR records for examination or data entry, but this access is optional and the provider must sign off on data entry or changes made on their behalf.
The ACR and other users will only see aggregated de-identified data. Data will be aggregated for benchmarking reports in large enough quantities so that neither individual physicians nor patients will be identifiable.
RCR users will sign business associates and site agreements with Outcome, which include HIPAA provisions. Both are designed to protect the confidentiality of physician and patient data. Once these agreements are in place, providers can opt to have Outcome submit data on their behalf for pay-for-performance and pay-for-reporting programs, such as PQRI.
+ Who owns the data in the RCR?
- Who owns the data in the RCR?
Individual health data is owned by the physician and the patient. Unidentifiable aggregate data is owned by the ACR.
+ Not all of the physicians in my practice want to participate in the RCR. Can I still participate?
- Not all of the physicians in my practice want to participate in the RCR. Can I still participate?
The ideal model is full participation by all physicians in your practice; however, it is possible for a subset of your practice’s physicians to participate in the RCR. Other physicians can join at a later time.
+ What are the technical requirements for using the RCR, and what kind of technical support will I receive if I register?
- What are the technical requirements for using the RCR, and what kind of technical support will I receive if I register?
RCR users need a computer with an Internet connection, preferably high speed.
The RCR is a Web-based registry with no software to install.
The RCR user will require Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher or Firefox 2.0 or higher.
E-mail and telephone support via the will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM ET
+ How are data protected?
- How are data protected?
Outcome hosts the RCR in a secure third-party data center, which provides security, disaster recovery, system and database redundancy. All data reported in the RCR will be in accordance with applicable security regulations for health information.
+ What does the RCR cost?
- What does the RCR cost?
For ACR members, use of the RCRis a benefit of membership and there is no additional cost. The ACR will also cover the direct cost of PQRI registry reporting for users who opt to use this feature for 2009 reporting – a benefit valued at over $300 per member.
Non-members who wish to use the PQRI reporting feature will be charged Outcome’s standard fees. For more information about ACR membership, contact Helen Anne Richards at or 404-633-3777, ext. 823.
+ What will I receive if I participate in the RCR?
- What will I receive if I participate in the RCR?
PQRI reporting capability and the ability to obtain incentive payments
Clinical reminders, reducing the chances of making errors by omission
Population management features, allowing you to have a much better idea about the breakdown of your practice for disease, age and conditions
Benchmarking capabilities – the ability to gauge the quality of your practice in comparison with your peers
The ability to measure and improve work flow within your office
The ACR's AIM practice improvement module interoperability, preventing the need to enter duplicate data
Streamlined ability to quickly find the information that you need to make clinical decisions and complete required items
Access to electronic patient history forms
Improved patient care
