Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Clinical Quality Measures
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This web page provides guidance related to the role of the California Smokers’ Helpline in assisting eligible professionals to meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Record Incentive Program clinical quality measures (CQM) relating to smoking and tobacco use cessation (Core Set NQF 0028 and Additional Set NQF 0027).
The CMS web site references the smoking and tobacco use cessation CQMs below:
Core Set CQM:
NQF Measure Number 0028 -- Preventive Care Screening Measure Pair:
a) Tobacco Use Assessment
b) Tobacco Cessation Intervention
Additional Set CQM:
NQF Measure Number 0027 -- Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation, Medical Assistance (for eligible providers only):
a) Advising Smokers and Tobacco Users to Quit
b) Discussing Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Medications
c) Discussing Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Strategies
To get more general information regarding CQMs, please go to CMS CQM web site.
Tobacco Use Cessation Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Can a referral to the California Smokers’ Helpline (CSH) qualify for meeting the clinical quality measures relating to smoking and tobacco use cessation?
Yes, CMS states that a referral to a state quit line such as the California Smokers’ Helpline meets the definition of tobacco cessation intervention as defined in Core Set NQF 0028 and Additional Set NQF 0027.
2) What services does the California Smokers’ Helpline provide?
The California Smokers’ Helpline is a free telephone-based tobacco cessation service that helps tobacco users quit. Specialized services are also available for teens, pregnant women, and tobacco chewers. The Helpline also provides information to friends and family members of tobacco users.
The Helpline offers self-help materials, referral to local programs, and one-on-one, telephone counseling to quit smoking. Helpline services have been proven in clinical trials to double a smoker’s chances of successfully quitting.
The CSH also has the ability to track demographics and referrals. Since 1992, it has served over 500,000 callers. Details about local counseling support services are available as well. Counselors at the CSH are caring professionals trained in tobacco treatment.
3) Is the California Smokers’ Helpline accessible for patients in my location?
Yes. CSH has the ability to reach and serve tobacco users in California, regardless of location. Today, residents in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, each US territory and all ten Canadian provinces have access to public quit line services such as our CSH.
4) Are the services offered in other languages besides English?
Yes. The CSH offers free telephone counseling and printed materials in six languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean and TDD/TTY). The Helpline also offers training to health care providers.
5) How do I report on this clinical quality measure for Stage 1?
Please refer to the CMS web page regarding reporting on clinical quality measures.
6) Are there any electronic specifications for this measure?
Yes. CMS has provided electronic specifications in order to assist eligible providers and hospitals in reporting clinical quality measures from an EHR.
For further information, please see the California Tobacco Control Program.