2014 - PCMH4C

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The practice has a process for managing medications, and systematically implements the process in the following ways:

(For factors 3-6, PCC recommends using NCQA's Record Review Workbook to choose a sample of relevant patients identified from element 4A and check for the relevant items)

4.C.1 Reviews and reconciles medications for more than 50 percent of patients received from care transitions. (CRITICAL FACTOR)

Description Example/Screenshot/Documentation Source Date Added
In PCC EHR, a component called "Transition of Care (ARRA)" can be added to protocols. The first check box adds the patient to the denominator, the second check box adds them to the numerator. The result is reported from the EHR MU report as the "Medication Reconciliation" measure.
Protocol including Transition of Care data element
PCC EHR 03/25/13

Additionally, incoming care transmissions can be received in PCC EHR via a continuity of care document (C-CDA) and medications can be reconciled from this document.

4.C.2 Reviews and reconciles medications with patients/families for more than 80 percent of care transitions.

Refer to the MU measure mentioned above.

4.C.3 Provides information about new prescriptions to more than 80 percent of patients/families/caregivers.

According to NCQA, the practice provides patients/families with information about a new medication, including potential side effects, drug interactions, instructions for taking the medication and the consequences of not taking it.


4.C.4 Assesses understanding of medications for more than 50 percent of patients/families/caregivers, and dates the assessment.

According to NCQA, the practice assesses how well patients understand the information about medications they are taking, and considers a patient’s health literacy (PCMH 3, Element C, factor 10).

4.C.5 Assesses response to medications and barriers to adherence for more than 50 percent of patients, and dates the assessment.

According to NCQA, the practice asks patients about a problem or difficulty taking a medication; whether they are experiencing side effects; and whether the medication is being taken as prescribed. If a patient is not taking a medication as prescribed, the practice determines why.

4.C.6 Documents over-the-counter medications, herbal therapies and supplements for more than 50 percent of patients, and dates updates.

According to NCQA, at least annually, the practice reviews and documents in the medical record the nonprescription medications, such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbal therapies and supplements that the patient is taking to prevent interference with prescribed medication and to evaluate potential side effects.