OBQM (Outcome-Based Quality Monitoring) and OBQI (Outcome-Based Quality Improvement) are how CMS and your agency look at quality. OBQM is the reporting side; OBQI is using the data to improve.
What’s reported
Risk-adjusted outcome and process measures. You get reports that compare you to national or state benchmarks. Use them to see where you’re strong and where you’re not. See HHVBP and outcome measures for what’s measured and how to improve.
Improvement cycles
Pick a measure that’s below benchmark. Figure out why (chart review, process walk-through). Make a change (e.g. better teaching, earlier physician contact). Measure again in a few months. Document the cycle for QAPI. DONs and quality leads who run these cycles keep a one-page summary of measures and improvement steps so the team isn’t guessing. We have an OBQM/OBQI quick reference you can download: the main measures and a simple improvement cycle template. Use the button below to get it.