Quality Compass Exchange Data File is intended as a resource for payers, government agencies, and consultants.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has added Exchange plans to its health plan quality data sets.
In a press release, NCQA AVP of external relations Andy Reynolds stated: "NCQA exists to improve health care, and Quality Compass Exchange is a key tool to support that goal. This product can also help health plans, government agencies and health IT firms monitor performance and make smart business decisions."
Here are three fast facts on Quality Compass Exchange Data File, introduced December 1, 2022.
1. The inaugural data file helps stakeholders benchmark and assess Exchange plans.
Payers can use the Quality Compass Exchange Data File to assess competitors and compare their own performance. Health plans, along with government and other organizations, can also use the file for quality improvement.
2. The data includes two sources from the 2021 measurement year.
The Quality Compass Exchange Data File uses measures from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA). The NCQS has long used HEDIS measures for its annual Health Plan Report Cards. The PQA measures are part of the CMS Quality Rating System.
3. The Quality Compass Exchange Data File includes customization.
The Exchange plan data format is a zip folder of CSV files. NCQA reports that users can "generate custom reports by selecting plans, measures, and benchmarks (averages and percentiles) for up to three trended years." Report outputs include tables and graphs to compare individual plan performance against those of other plans established benchmarks.
4. Quality Compass offers advantages compared to existing options.
In a statement to HealthLeaders, NCQA representatives noted that, compared to receiving Exchange plan data from NCQA in custom HEDIS extracts, "Quality Compass is the more efficient, readymade and comprehensive option for most users. The file has national, regional and state benchmarks … and will be especially useful for organizations that purchase Quality Compass for other product lines (commercial, Medicaid, Medicare)."
Laura Beerman is a freelance writer for HealthLeaders.