2022 Measure # 438 Statin Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

Measure Type High Priority Measure? Collection Type(s)
Process no , eCQM, CMS
Web Interface, MIPS CQM

Measure Description

Percentage of the following patients – all considered at high risk of cardiovascular events – who were prescribed or were on statin therapy during the measurement period:
•All patients who were previously diagnosed with or currently have an active diagnosis of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including an ASCVD procedure; OR
•Patients aged ≥ 20 years who have ever had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level ≥ 190 mg/dL or were previously diagnosed with or currently have an active diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia; OR
•Patients aged 40-75 years with a diagnosis of diabetes

Stay up to date with the latest news regarding MACRA and MIPS.

The Healthmonix Advisor is a free weekly news source, connecting you to the latest updates in the value-based care industry.


Instructions

This measure is to be submitted once per performance period for patients seen during the performance period. This measure may be submitted by Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinicians who provide the services in the measure-specific denominator coding.

NOTE: Patient encounters for this measure conducted via telehealth (e.g., encounters coded with GQ, GT, 95, or POS 02 modifiers) are allowable.

Measure Submission Type:

Measure data may be submitted by individual MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, or third party intermediaries. The listed denominator criteria are used to identify the intended patient population. The numerator options included in this specification are used to submit the quality actions as allowed by the measure. The quality-data codes listed do not need to be submitted by MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, or third party intermediaries that utilize this modality for submissions; however, these codes may be submitted for those third party intermediaries that utilize Medicare Part B claims data. For more information regarding Application Programming Interface (API), please refer to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) website.

THERE ARE THREE SUBMISSION CRITERIA FOR THIS MEASURE**:

1)All patients who were previously diagnosed with or currently have an active diagnosis of clinical ASCVD, including an ASCVD procedure.
OR
2)Patients aged ≥ 20 years at the beginning of the measurement period who have ever had a laboratory result of LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL or were previously diagnosed with or currently have an active diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia.
OR
3)Patients aged 40 to 75 years at the beginning of the measurement period with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

**All patients who meet one or more of the following criteria indicated above would be considered at high risk for cardiovascular events under the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA)/Multi-society (MS) guidelines. When submitting this measure, determine if the patient meets denominator eligibility in order of each risk category. There is only one performance rate calculated for this measure.

DENOMINATOR (SUBMISSION CRITERIA 1):

All patients who were previously diagnosed with or currently have an active diagnosis of clinical ASCVD, including an ASCVD procedure.

Definitions:

Clinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) includes:

  • Acute Coronary Syndromes
  • History of Myocardial Infarction
  • Stable or Unstable Angina
  • Coronary or other Arterial Revascularization
  • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease of Atherosclerotic Origin

DENOMINATOR NOTE: *Signifies that this CPT Category I code is a non-covered service under the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). These non-covered services should be counted in the denominator population for MIPS CQMs.

DENOMINATOR CRITERIA: (Eligible Cases):
All patients, regardless of age

AND

Patient encounter during the performance period (CPT or HCPCS): 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99212, 99213, 99214, 99215, 99241*, 99242*, 99243*, 99244*, 99245*, 99385*, 99386*, 99387*, 99395*, 99396*, 99397*, 99401*, 99402*, 99403*, 99404*, 99429*, G0438, G0439

AND

Previously diagnosed or have an active diagnosis of clinical ASCVD, including ASCVD procedure: G9662

AND NOT

DENOMINATOR EXCLUSIONS:

Patients who have a diagnosis of pregnancy at any time during the measurement period: G9778
OR
Patients who are breastfeeding at any time during the measurement period: G9779
OR
Patients who have a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis at any time during the measurement period: G9780

–OR–

DENOMINATOR (SUBMISSION CRITERIA 2):

A fasting or non-fasting LDL-C laboratory test performed and direct or calculated test result documented in the medical record. When both direct and calculated test results are available, the direct LDL-C test result should be used.

Definition:

Lipoprotein Density Cholesterol (LDL-C) result – A fasting or non-fasting LDL-C laboratory test performed and direct or calculated test result documented in the medical record. When both direct and calculated test results are available, the direct LDL-C test result should be used.

DENOMINATOR NOTE: *Signifies that this CPT Category I code is a non-covered service under the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). These non-covered services should be counted in the denominator population for MIPS CQMs. 

Denominator Exclusions should be active at any time during the measurement period.

DENOMINATOR CRITERIA: (Eligible Cases):
Patients aged ≥ 20 years at the beginning of the measurement period

AND

Patient encounter during the performance period (CPT): 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99212, 99213, 99214, 99215, 99241*, 99242*, 99243*, 99244*, 99245*, 99385*, 99386*, 99387*, 99395*, 99396*, 99397*, 99401*, 99402*, 99403*, 99404*, 99429*, G0438, G0439

AND

Any fasting or direct LDL-C laboratory test result ≥ 190 mg/dL: G9663

OR

History of or active diagnosis of familial or pure hypercholesterolemia: G9782

AND NOT

DENOMINATOR EXCLUSIONS:

Patients who have a diagnosis of pregnancy: G9778

OR

Patients who are breastfeeding: G9779

OR

Patients who have a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis: G9780

–OR–

DENOMINATOR (SUBMISSION CRITERIA 3):

Patients aged 40 to 75 years at the beginning of the measurement period with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

 

DENOMINATOR NOTE: *Signifies that this CPT Category I code is a non-covered service under the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). These non-covered services should be counted in the denominator population for MIPS CQMs.

DENOMINATOR CRITERIA: (Eligible Cases):

Patients aged 40 through 75 years at the beginning of the measurement period

AND

Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis (ICD-10-CM): E10.10, E10.11, E10.21, E10.22, E10.29, E10.311, E10.319, E10.3211, E10.3212, E10.3213, E10.3219, E10.3291, E10.3292, E10.3293, E10.3299, E10.3311, E10.3312, E10.3313, E10.3319, E10.3391, E10.3392, E10.3393, E10.3399, E10.3411, E10.3412, E10.3413, E10.3419, E10.3491, E10.3492, E10.3493, E10.3499, E10.3511, E10.3512, E10.3513, E10.3519, E10.3521, E10.3522, E10.3523, E10.3529, E10.3531, E10.3532, E10.3533, E10.3539, E10.3541, E10.3542, E10.3543, E10.3549, E10.3551, E10.3552, E10.3553, E10.3559, E10.3591, E10.3592, E10.3593, E10.3599, E10.36, E10.37X1, E10.37X2, E10.37X3, E10.37X9, E10.39, E10.40, E10.41, E10.42, E10.43, E10.44, E10.49, E10.51, E10.52, E10.59, E10.610, E10.618, E10.620, E10.621, E10.622, E10.628, E10.630, E10.638, E10.641, E10.649, E10.65, E10.69, E10.8, E10.9, E11.00, E11.01,E11.10, E11.11, E11.21, E11.22, E11.29, E11.311, E11.319, E11.3211, E11.3212, E11.3213, E11.3219, E11.3291, E11.3292, E11.3293, E11.3299, E11.3311, E11.3312, E11.3313, E11.3319, E11.3391, E11.3392, E11.3393, E11.3399, E11.3411, E11.3412, E11.3413, E11.3419, E11.3491, E11.3492, E11.3493, E11.3499, E11.3511, E11.3512, E11.3513, E11.3519, E11.3521, E11.3522, E11.3523, E11.3529, E11.3531, E11.3532, E11.3533, E11.3539, E11.3541, E11.3542, E11.3543, E11.3549, E11.3551, E11.3552, E11.3553, E11.3559, E11.3591, E11.3592, E11.3593, E11.3599, E11.36, E11.37X2, E11.37X3, E11.37X9, E11.39, E11.40, E11.41, E11.42, E11.43, E11.44, E11.49, E11.51, E11.52, E11.59, E11.610, E11.618, E11.620, E11.621, E11.622, E11.628, E11.630, E11.638, E11.641, E11.649, E11.65, E11.69, E11.8, E11.9, E13.00, E13.01, E13.10, E13.11, E13.21, E13.22, E13.29, E13.311, E13.319, E13.3211, E13.3212, E13.3213, E13.3219, E13.3291, E13.3292, E13.3293, E13.3299, E13.3311, E13.3312, E13.3313, E13.3319, E13.3391, E13.3392, E13.3393, E13.3399, E13.3411, E13.3412, E13.3413, E13.3419, E13.3491, E13.3492, E13.3493, E13.3499, E13.3511, E13.3512, E13.3513, E13.3519, E13.3521, E13.3522, E13.3523, E13.3529, E13.3531, E13.3532, E13.3533, E13.3539, E13.3541, E13.3542, E13.3543, E13.3549, E13.3551, E13.3552, E13.3553, E13.3559, E13.3591, E13.3592, E13.3593, E13.3599, E13.36, E13.37X1, E13.37X2, E13.37X3, E13.37X9, E13.39, E13.40, E13.41, E13.42, E13.43, E13.44, E13.49, E13.51, E13.52, E13.59, E13.610, E13.618, E13.620, E13.621, E13.622, E13.628, E13.630, E13.638, E13.641, E13.649, E13.65, E13.69, E13.8, E13.9, O24.011, O24.012, O24.013, O24.019, O24.02, O24.03, O24.111, O24.112, O24.113, O24.119, O24.12, O24.13, O24.311, O24.312, O24.313, O24.319, O24.32, O24.33, O24.811, O24.812, O24.813, O24.819, O24.82, O24.83

AND

Patient encounter during the performance period (CPT): 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99212, 99213, 99214, 99215, 99241*, 99242*, 99243*, 99244*, 99245*, 99385*, 99386*, 99387*, 99395*, 99396*, 99397*, 99401*, 99402*, 99403*, 99404*, 99429*, G0438, G0439

 

AND NOT

DENOMINATOR EXCLUSIONS:

Patients who have a diagnosis of pregnancy at any time during the measurement period: G9778
OR
Patients who are breastfeeding at any time during the measurement period: G9779
OR
Patients who have a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis at any time during the measurement period: G9780

Numerator

NUMERATOR (SUBMISSION CRITERIA 1):

Patients who are actively using or who receive an order (prescription) for statin therapy at any time during the measurement period

Definitions:

Statin therapy – Administration of one or more of a group of medications that are used to lower plasma lipoprotein levels in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia.

Table 1 – Statin Medication Therapy List (NOTE: List does NOT include dosage):

Table 1 – Statin Medication Therapy List (NOTE: List does NOT include dosage): Generic Name

Brand or Trade Name

Medication Type, If Applicable

Atorvastatin

Lipitor

Statin

Fluvastatin

Lescol XL or Lescol

Statin

Lovastatin (Mevinolin)

Mevacor or Altoprev

Statin

Pitavastatin

Livalo or Zypitamag or Nikita

Statin

Pravastatin Sodium

Pravachol

Statin

Rosuvastatin Calcium

Crestor

Statin

Simvastatin

Zocor

Statin

Amlodipine Besylate/Atorvastatin

Caduet

Fixed Dose Combination

Ezetimibe/Simvastatin

Vytorin

Fixed Dose Combination

Denominator Exceptions

Active Liver or Hepatic Disease or Insufficiency – The following ICD-10-CM codes are included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define liver disease: B15.0, B15.9, B16.0, B16.1, B16.2, B16.9, B17.0, B17.10, B17.11, B17.2, B17.8, B17.9, B18.0, B18.1, B18.2, B18.8, B18.9, B19.0, B19.10, B19.11, B19.20, B19.21, B19.9, K70.0, K70.10, K70.11, K70.2, K70.30, K70.31, K70.40, K70.41, K70.9, K71.0, K71.10, K71.11, K71.2, K71.3, K71.4, K71.50, K71.51, K71.6, K71.7, K71.8, K71.9, K72.00, K72.01, K72.10, K72.11, K72.90, K72.91, K73.0, K73.1, K73.2, K73.8, K73.9, K74.00, K74.01, K74.02, K74.1, K74.2, K74.3, K74.4, K74.5, K74.60, K74.69, K75.4, O98.411, O98.412, O98.413, O98.419

End Stage Renal Disease – The following ICD-10-CM code is included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define end stage renal disease: N18.6

Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms (SAMS) – The 2018 ACC/AHA/MS Guideline (Grundy et al., 2019) includes the following SAMS: myalgias, myositis, myopathy, or statin-associated autoimmune myopathy. Patients who experience significant or repeated statin-associated muscle symptoms may prefer not to take or continue statin therapy and therefore may be removed from the denominator. The following ICD-10-CM codes are included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define SAMS: G72.0, G72.9, M60.9, M79.10.

NUMERATOR NOTE: In order to meet the measure, current statin therapy use must be documented in the patient’s current medication list or ordered during the measurement period. Only statin therapy meets the measure Numerator criteria (NOT other cholesterol lowering medications). Prescription or order does NOT need to be linked to an encounter or visit; it may be called tothe pharmacy. Statin medication “samples” provided to patients can be documented as “current statin therapy” if documented in the medication list in health/medical record.

Patients who meet the denominator criteria for inclusion but are not prescribed or using statin therapy will NOT meet performance for this measure. Adherence to statin therapy is not calculated in this measure.

It may not be appropriate to prescribe statin therapy for some patients (see exceptions and exclusions for the complete list).
Intensity of statin therapy in primary and secondary prevention: The expert panel of the 2018 ACC/AHA/MS Guidelines (Grundy et al., 2019) defines recommended intensity of statin therapy on the basis of the average expected LDL-C response to specific statin and dose. Although intensity of statin therapy is important in managing cholesterol, this measure assesses prescription of ANY statin therapy, irrespective of intensity. Assessment of appropriate intensity and dosage documentation added too much complexity to allow inclusion of statin therapy intensity in the measure at this time. 

Denominator Exceptions should be active during the measurement period.

Numerator Options:

Performance Met:

Patients who are currently statin therapy users or received an order (prescription) for statin therapy (G9664)

OR

Denominator Exception:

Documentation of medical reason(s) for not currently being a statin therapy user or receiving an order (prescription) for statin therapy (e.g., patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms or an allergy to statin medication therapy, patients who are receiving palliative or hospice care, patients with active liver disease or hepatic disease or insufficiency, and patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD]) (G9781)

OR

Performance Not Met:

Patients who are not currently statin therapy users or did not receive an order (prescription) for statin therapy(G9665)

NUMERATOR (SUBMISSION CRITERIA 2):

Patients who are actively using or who receive an order (prescription) for statin therapy at any time during the measurement period

Definitions:

Statin therapy – Administration of one or more of a group of medications that are used to lower plasma lipoprotein levels in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia.

Table 1 Statin Medication Therapy List (NOTE: List does NOT include dosage) 

Generic Name

Brand or Trade Name

Medication Type, If Applicable

Atorvastatin

Lipitor

Statin

Fluvastatin

Lescol XL or Lescol

Statin

Lovastatin (Mevinolin)

Mevacor or Altoprev

Statin

Pitavastatin

Livalo

Statin

Pravastatin Sodium

Pravachol

Statin

Rosuvastatin Calcium

Crestor

Statin

Simvastatin

Zocor

Statin

Amlodipine Besylate/Atorvastatin

Caduet

Fixed Dose Combination

Ezetimibe/Simvastatin

Vytorin

Fixed Dose Combination

 Denominator Exceptions

Active Liver or Hepatic Disease or Insufficiency – The following ICD-10-CM codes are included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define liver disease: B15.0, B15.9, B16.0, B16.1, B16.2, B16.9, B17.0, B17.10, B17.11, B17.2, B17.8, B17.9, B18.0, B18.1, B18.2, B18.8, B18.9, B19.0, B19.10, B19.11, B19.20, B19.21, B19.9, K70.0, K70.10, K70.11, K70.2, K70.30, K70.31, K70.40, K70.41, K70.9, K71.0, K71.10, K71.11, K71.2, K71.3, K71.4, K71.50, K71.51, K71.6, K71.7, K71.8, K71.9, K72.00, K72.01, K72.10, K72.11, K72.90, K72.91, K73.0, K73.1, K73.2, K73.8, K73.9, K74.00, K74.01, K74.02, K74.1, K74.2, K74.3, K74.4, K74.5, K74.60, K74.69, K75.4, O98.411, O98.412, O98.413, O98.419

End Stage Renal Disease – The following ICD-10-CM code is included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define end stage renal disease: N18.6

Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms (SAMS) – The 2018 ACC/AHA/MS Guideline (Grundy et al., 2019) includes the following SAMS: myalgias, myositis, myopathy, or statin-associated autoimmune myopathy. Patients who experience significant or repeated statin-associated muscle symptoms may prefer not to take or continue statin therapy and therefore may be removed from the denominator. The following ICD-10-CM codes are included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define SAMS: G72.0, G72.9, M60.9, M79.10.

NUMERATOR NOTE: n order to meet the measure, current statin therapy use must be documented in the patient’s current medication list or ordered during the measurement period. Only statin therapy meets the measure Numerator criteria (NOT other cholesterol lowering medications). Prescription or order does NOT need to be linked to an encounter or visit; it may be called to the pharmacy. Statin medication “samples” provided to patients can be documented as “current statin therapy” if documented in the medication list in health/medical record.

Patients who meet the denominator criteria for inclusion but are not prescribed or using statin therapy will NOT meet performance for this measure. Adherence to statin therapy is not calculated in this measure.

It may not be appropriate to prescribe statin therapy for some patients (see exceptions and exclusions for the complete list).
Intensity of statin therapy in primary and secondary prevention: The expert panel of the 2018 ACC/AHA/MS Guidelines (Grundy et al., 2019) defines recommended intensity of statin therapy on the basis of the average expected LDL-C response to specific statin and dose. Although intensity of statin therapy is important in managing cholesterol, this measure assesses prescription of ANY statin therapy, irrespective of intensity. Assessment of appropriate intensity and dosage documentation added too much complexity to allow inclusion of statin therapy intensity in the measure at this time.

Denominator Exceptions should be active during the measurement period.

Numerator Options:

Performance Met:

Patients who are currently statin therapy users or received an order (prescription) for statin therapy (G9664)

OR

Denominator Exception:

Documentation of medical reason(s) for not currently being a statin therapy user or receiving an order (prescription) for statin therapy (e.g., patient with statin-associated muscle symptoms or an allergy to statin medication therapy, patients who are receiving palliative or hospice care, patients with active liver disease or hepatic disease or insufficiency, and patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD])  (G9781)

OR

Performance Not Met:

Patients who are not currently statin therapy users or did not receive an order (prescription) for statin therapy(G9665)

NUMERATOR (SUBMISSION CRITERIA 3):

Patients who are actively using or who receive an order (prescription) for statin therapy at any time during the measurement period

Definitions:

Statin therapy – Administration of one or more of a group of medications that are used to lower plasma lipoprotein levels in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia.

Table 1 – Statin Medication Therapy List (NOTE: List does NOT include dosage) 

Generic Name

Brand or Trade Name

Medication Type, If Applicable

Atorvastatin

Lipitor

Statin

Fluvastatin

Lescol XL or Lescol

Statin

Lovastatin (Mevinolin)

Mevacor or Altoprev

Statin

Pitavastatin

Livalo

Statin

Pravastatin Sodium

Pravachol

Statin

Rosuvastatin Calcium

Crestor

Statin

Simvastatin

Zocor

Statin

Amlodipine Besylate/Atorvastatin

Caduet

Fixed Dose Combination

Ezetimibe/Simvastatin

Vytorin

Fixed Dose Combination

 

Denominator Exceptions

Active Liver or Hepatic Disease or Insufficiency –The following ICD-10-CM codes are included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define liver disease: B15.0, B15.9, B16.0, B16.1, B16.2, B16.9, B17.0, B17.10, B17.11, B17.2, B17.8, B17.9,B18.0, B18.1, B18.2, B18.8, B18.9, B19.0, B19.10, B19.11, B19.20, B19.21, B19.9, K70.0, K70.10, K70.11, K70.2, K70.30, K70.31, K70.40, K70.41, K70.9, K71.0, K71.10, K71.11, K71.2, K71.3, K71.4, K71.50, K71.51, K71.6, K71.7, K71.8, K71.9, K72.00, K72.01, K72.10, K72.11, K72.90, K72.91, K73.0, K73.1, K73.2, K73.8, K73.9, K74.00, K74.01, K74.02, K74.1, K74.2, K74.3, K74.4, K74.5, K74.60, K74.69, K75.4, O98.411, O98.412, O98.413, O98.419

End Stage Renal Disease – The following ICD-10-CM code is included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define end stage renal disease: N18.6

Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms (SAMS) – The 2018 ACC/AHA/MS Guideline (Grundy et al., 2019) includes the following SAMS: myalgias, myositis, myopathy, or statin-associated autoimmune myopathy. Patients who experience significant or repeated statin-associated muscle symptoms may prefer not to take or continue statin therapy and therefore may be removed from the denominator. The following ICD-10-CM codes are included in the Denominator Exception (G9781) to define SAMS: G72.0, G72.9, M60.9, M79.10.

NUMERATOR NOTE: In order to meet the measure, current statin therapy use must be documented in the patient’s current medication list or ordered during the measurement period. Only statin therapy meets the measure Numerator criteria (NOT other cholesterol lowering medications). Prescription or order does NOT need to be linked to an encounter or visit; it may be called to the pharmacy. Statin medication “samples” provided to patients can be documented as “current statin therapy” if documented in the medication list in health/medical record.

Patients who meet the denominator criteria for inclusion but are not prescribed or using statin therapy will NOT meet performance for this measure. Adherence to statin therapy is not calculated in this measure.

It may not be appropriate to prescribe statin therapy for some patients (see exceptions and exclusions for the complete list).
Intensity of statin therapy in primary and secondary prevention: The expert panel of the 2018 ACC/AHA/MS Guidelines (Grundy et al., 2019) defines recommended intensity of statin therapy on the basis of the average expected LDL-C response to specific statin and dose. Although intensity of statin therapy is important in managing cholesterol, this measure assesses prescription of ANY statin therapy, irrespective of intensity. Assessment of appropriate intensity and dosage documentation added too much complexity to allow inclusion of statin therapy intensity in the measure at this time.

Denominator Exceptions should be active during the measurement period.

Numerator Options:

Performance Met:

Patients who are currently statin therapy users or received an order (prescription) for statin therapy (G9664)

OR

Denominator Exception:

Documentation of medical reason(s) for not currently being a statin therapy user or receiving an order (prescription) for statin therapy (e.g., patient with statin-associated muscle symptoms or an allergy to statin medication therapy, patients who are receiving palliative or hospice care, patients with active liver disease or hepatic disease or insufficiency, patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD])(G9781)

OR

Performance Not Met:

Patients who are not currently statin therapy users or did not receive an order (prescription) for statin therapy (G9665)


Tags

Cardiology-2022, CMS-Cardiology-2022, CMS-Endocrinology-2022, CMS-Family-Medicine-2022, CMS-Internal-Medicine-2022, CMS-Preventive-Medicine-2022, Diagnostic Radiology, Endocrinology-2022, Gastroenterology-2022, General Practice/Family Medicine-2022, Geriatrics / Gerontology-2022, Internal Medicine-2022, Interventional Radiology-2022, NonTelehealth-2022, Nuclear Medicine-2022, Preventive Medicine-2022, Quality-2022, Radiation Oncology-2022, Radiology-2022, Sleep Medicine-2022