CMS has published the updated 2026 Quality Reporting Document Architecture (QRDA) Category III Implementation Guide (IG) for Eligible Clinicians, incorporating changes finalized in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule released on October 31, 2025. The updated guide outlines technical and reporting requirements for submitting electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) for Calendar Year 2026 quality programs.
Key updates include the addition of new MIPS Value Pathway (MVP) identifiers across several specialties, new eCQM identifiers addressing diagnostic delay and diabetes risk screening, and multiple updates to Improvement Activities—ranging from removals and modifications to newly added activities. CMS also introduced a new bonus Promoting Interoperability measure focused on public health reporting through the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). No changes were made to the QRDA III schematron or sample files.
Eligible Clinicians and reporting teams are encouraged to review the full Implementation Guide and supporting resources to understand how these updates may affect 2026 reporting and ensure continued compliance with CMS quality reporting requirements.
Resource: Electronic Clinical Quality Improvement (eCQI) Resource Center
2026 CMS Quality Reporting Document Architecture (QRDA) Category III Implementation Guide (IG)