ASCO develops and maintains quality measures through a rigorous process that aligns with the CMS Measures Blueprint and Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM)  standards. Measure concepts are vetted, prioritized, specified, and added to the testing queue according to clinical importance, evidence, gaps in care, and variation in treatment. ASCO's clinical quality measures are developed by multidisciplinary panels of experts along with patient representatives. ASCO provides oversight on the use of measures in quality programs and initiatives including the CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP)/Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), and Alternative Payment Model (APM) tracks; the Quality Oncology Program Initiative (QOPI®) and ASCO® Certified.

Principles of ASCO Measurement

ASCO has the sole discretion to determine the measures it develops based on its current priorities and the following principles:

  • ASCO measures are independently developed through a transparent process
  • ASCO measures are evidence-based
  • ASCO measures are derived from published guidelines where a guideline is available
  • Development and validation of measures follow guidelines standards for patient privacy and human research protection
  • While process measures are important, ASCO gives priority to outcome measures
  • Reviewing and updating ASCO measures when there are changes in evidence or practice is an ASCO priority

Measures Steering Group

The Measures Steering Group (MSG) directs the prioritization, development, approval, testing, and maintenance of clinical quality measures. The MSG oversees technical expert panels, guides collaborative measure development projects, reviews externally developed measures, and represents ASCO before quality improvement and measurement organizations.

Measure Technical Expert Panels

ASCO's evidence-based measure development process, supported by robust member engagement through expert panels, represents the interests and needs of clinicians who deliver oncology care. Currently, ASCO members directly support ASCO’s measure development efforts through participation in multi-disciplinary Technical Expert Panels (TEPs). These TEP members make significant contributions to the Society's de novo measure development and maintenance strategies by providing clinical expertise and guidance on measure concepts, level and quality of evidence, and measure specifications.

During de novo measure development, TEP chairs and members share their clinical expertise and guidance throughout the measure development lifecycle, which comprises measure conceptualization, specification, testing, and implementation. ASCO's rigorous, evidence-based measure development process reflects standards established by the Blueprint for the CMS Measures Management System. The process includes conducting environmental scans and literature reviews, performing empirical data and gap analysis, engaging with stakeholders, and carrying out testing to determine measure feasibility, reliability, and validity.

During measure maintenance, TEP members are provided with full measure specifications, new evidence, historical measure performance data, and any external feedback or requests for clarification or updates received by staff.

 Visit the ASCO Volunteer Portal to express interest in participating in ASCO measure development.