The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) has a new pharmacy performance measure that evaluates adherence to medications for diabetes, renin angiotensin system antagonists for hypertension, and statins for high cholesterol through a single composite measure.1 Although many might think the PQA already had member-endorsed adherence measures for these medications, the situation is a bit nuanced.
There are 3 similar PQA adherence measures used in the Medicare Part D Star Ratings that were developed, tested, and specified for health plan performance measurement.2 There are notable differences between those health plan measures and the PQA’s new pharmacy measure. Endorsed by PQA members after rigorous development and testing, the new composite pharmacy adherence measure is a major step forward in the PQA’s work to develop standard pharmacy performance measures focused on improving patient care.