Clinical Data Registry: McKesson’s Practice Insights Named 2025 QCDR by CMS
For the ninth year in a row, McKesson has been named a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), securing approval to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). As a CMS-designated QCDR, McKesson can now collect and report clinical data for clinicians using the iKnowMed℠ electronic health record system and its integrated module, Practice Insights℠—a performance analytics tool powered by Ontada®, McKesson’s technology and insights division. This designation allows healthcare providers using iKnowMed to efficiently submit both MIPS and custom QCDR quality measures directly to CMS, eliminating the need for a separate registry vendor. As a result, the process is streamlined, reducing the administrative burden for practices.
McKesson is steadfast in its commitment to providing actionable insights that empower community oncology practices to enhance patient care, alleviate operational burdens, and expand access to care in local settings. Jason Hammonds, Chief Operating Officer of Oncology & Specialty at McKesson, expressed, “As a 2025 Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR), Practice Insights enables providers to seamlessly collect and report quality measures to CMS while also offering access to important practice data and analytics. This helps improve both operations and patient care.”
Practice Insights, powered by Ontada®, McKesson’s technology and insights division, supports nine oncology-specific QCDR measures, which are designed to improve both the quality and cost-effectiveness of cancer care. Seven of these measures were developed in collaboration with physicians from The US Oncology Network, a network of community-based providers supported by McKesson. These include:
- Resolution or Improvement of a Health-Related Social Need
- Advance Care Planning for Metastatic Cancer Patients
- Hepatitis B Serology Testing and Prophylactic Treatment Prior to Receiving Anti-CD20 Targeting Drugs
- Patient-Reported Pain Improvement
- Supportive Care Drug Utilization in the Last 14 Days of Life
- Mutation Testing for Stage IV Lung Cancer Completed Before the Start of Targeted Therapy
- Utilization of Prophylactic GCSF for Cancer Patients Receiving Low-Risk Chemotherapy
Additionally, two measures developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) have been included for the third consecutive year:
- Antiemetic Therapy for Low-and Minimal-Emetic-Risk Antineoplastic Agents in the Infusion Center – Avoidance of Overuse
- Appropriate Antiemetic Therapy for High-and Moderate-Emetic-Risk Antineoplastic Agents in the Infusion Center
These measures are integral to improving cancer care, and CMS has recognized their value by selecting two of them for inclusion in the 2024 Advancing Cancer Care MIPS Value Pathways (MVP). These measures are:
- Mutation Testing for Stage IV Lung Cancer
- Utilization of Prophylactic GCSF for Cancer Patients Receiving Low-Risk Chemotherapy
This selection marks a significant achievement, as Practice Insights is the only QCDR to have its measures selected for the Advancing Cancer Care MVP. These measures are not only vital for improving patient care but also streamline processes for healthcare providers, reducing administrative workload.
A particularly impactful feature of Practice Insights is its patient-reported outcomes measures, which have shown a significant potential to improve patient outcomes. For 2025, Practice Insights introduces the first-ever patient-reported outcomes measure assessing the impact of addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs) through MIPS. While other quality measures typically screen for these needs, McKesson’s unique approach goes a step further, examining whether these issues are resolved after identification.
Erin Crum, Senior Director of Quality Strategy and Innovation at McKesson and The US Oncology Network, commented on this advancement, saying, “McKesson’s measure goes full circle, enabling clinicians not only to identify needs but also to efficiently track and report results.” This approach promotes a more holistic, patient-centered model of care, offering a comprehensive view of how effectively social determinants of health are being addressed. Crum added, “We are extremely proud of this advancement that supports a more patient-centered approach to treatment, and we will continue advocating for quality measures that truly impact patients and oncology care.”
McKesson’s focus on advancing cancer care goes beyond data reporting and includes a holistic view of oncology practices. The company is committed to ensuring that community-based providers have the tools and resources necessary to deliver high-quality cancer care. By offering solutions that drive improvements in both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency, McKesson helps practices optimize their workflows while maintaining a focus on patient care.
Through its various oncology initiatives, McKesson also plays a key role in ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments. For instance, McKesson’s Sarah Cannon Research Institute helps patients participate in clinical trials closer to home, providing opportunities to access cutting-edge therapies. Furthermore, Ontada®, McKesson’s oncology-focused business, generates real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) to inform clinical decisions and improve treatment outcomes.
McKesson’s extensive reach in oncology care is further supported by its partnerships with The US Oncology Network and McKesson Provider Solutions, which provide research, insights, and services to thousands of community-based oncology practices. As one of the largest distributors of oncology and specialty medicines, McKesson ensures that life-saving treatments reach the patients who need them.
Additionally, McKesson’s services, such as CoverMyMeds, Biologics by McKesson, and its Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) services, help patients gain access to affordable medications and adhere to their prescribed treatments. These efforts align with McKesson’s mission to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of cancer and specialty care.
By providing comprehensive Clinical solutions that integrate data analytics, performance measures, and cutting-edge treatments, McKesson is helping transform oncology practices, improve patient outcomes, and drive meaningful advancements in cancer care. Through initiatives like Practice Insights and its broader oncology services, McKesson remains committed to improving Clinical care for oncology patients in community settings.
