On this page find current and past year manuals, posted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which provide measure specifications, associated Quality Data Codes (QDCs) with definitions, descriptive examples, references for required claims based on ASCQR Program quality measures and guidance for data submissions.
In 2025, ASCs must report on 14 ASCQR Program measures to avoid Medicare penalties. Data for most measures are submitted via the CMS portal, with specific guidelines for actions and submissions, including voluntary measures related to health equity and patient-reported outcomes.
The Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (OAS CAHPS) Survey is a patient questionnaire that measures the experience of care on topics such as communication, preparation and postsurgical coordination. OAS CAHPS will become a mandatory component of the ASCQR Program in 2025.
A safe surgery checklist is an essential tool that gives the surgical team important checkpoints to monitor during the care process to ensure maximum patient safety.