What does CMS measure in its Quality Payment Program?

The correct answer focuses on the measurement of the quality of care provided by healthcare practitioners within the framework of the Quality Payment Program established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This program is designed to enhance patient outcomes by incentivizing healthcare providers to deliver better quality services and patient care.

The Quality Payment Program incorporates various performance metrics that evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and patient-centeredness of the care delivered, emphasizing aspects such as patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and adherence to clinical guidelines. By prioritizing quality, CMS aims to foster healthcare improvements that lead to better health outcomes for patients, which is essential in driving the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system.

In contrast, while efficiency, patient numbers, and service variety are important factors in healthcare management, they are not the primary focus of the Quality Payment Program as explicitly instituted by CMS. The program is primarily concerned with ensuring that healthcare providers are incentivized to improve the quality of care rather than merely increasing the number of patients treated or offering a wider range of services.