Advance Care Plan

Percentage of patients aged 65 years and older who have an advance care plan or surrogate decision maker documented in the medical record or documentation in the medical record that an advance care plan was discussed but the patient did not wish or was not able to name a surrogate decision maker or provide an advance care plan.

Date Reviewed: November 19, 2017
Do Not Support: Uncertain Validity
    Group/Practice Individual Clinician

Measure Info

MIPS 047 NQF 0326
Measure Type
Process
Measure Steward
National Committee for Quality Assurance
Clinical Topic Area
Care Coordination
Care Setting
Outpatient
Data Source
Claims
Registry

ACP does not support QPP measure 047: "Advance Care Plan." We support the measure concept and implementation could prevent overuse of unnecessary end of life care interventions; however, it is burdensome for clinicians to annually document an advance care plan for all patients aged 65 years and older. Although the measure is evidence-based and insurers reimburse clinicians for this practice, we object to the 12 month measurement period included in the denominator specifications because it is burdensome and lacks empirical support. While evidence supports the benefit of advanced care planning on patient outcomes, there is no evidence to guide optimal frequency and at what age to begin planning. Furthermore, it may be inappropriate for clinicians to perform this intervention during an initial office visit. We suggest the developers revise the specifications to limit the denominator population to established patient visits only.