Email UpdatesDescribes the empirical methods used to calculate AHRQ QIs. - New!
Quality Indicator Resources
AHRQ QI Methodology
QI Reporting/User Tips
AHRQ QI Life Cycle
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Summary of findings and recommendations for improving the methodological approach of the AHRQ Quality Indicators.
NOTE: Persons using assistive technology may not be able to fully access information in this document. For assistance contact the Quality Indicators support at (301) 427-1949 or by email at: QIsupport@ahrq.hhs.gov
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Documents the process and status of converting AHRQ QIs from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM/PCS.
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Background information on the transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS for HIPAA transactions
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Describes the data structure, statistical models, and tools used in the AHRQ QI Project and proposes alternative statistical models and methods for consideration
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Summarizes testing on prediction models.
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Guidance on use for public reporting including analysis of each indicator’s appropriateness and reporting templates.
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How public reporting of hospital quality performance data and advances the quality improvement agenda in health care.
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Templates for reporting comparative hospital performance information
AHRQ QIs for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
This set of indicators reflect the health and well-being of beneficiaries receiving home and community-based services (HCBS) through state Medicaid programs. They focus on potentially preventable hospitalizations. For additional information on the development of the HCBS QIs, view the resources below:
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Provides guidance for using AHRQ QIs for public reporting; includes analysis of each indicator to determine their appropriateness for use in comparative reporting and comparative reporting templates based on input from consumers, providers, experts in the field of public reporting, and others.
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Summarizes HCBS panel comments on the validity of the HCBS indicators as a set, factors that panelists believe might impact hospitalizations for the indicator conditions or events in the HCBS populations and panelists' comments and concerns about each indicator.
Life Cycle of the AHRQ QIs
Developing the Indicators
The AHRQ QI measure development process involves four phases.
Phase 1: Candidate Indicator Development
- Identify candidate indicators within areas of interest.
- Review literature.
- Finalize specifications.
- Summarize evidence.
Phase 4: Retire Indicators
- Review evidence on the use of the indicator and determine that retirement is needed.
- Remove coding from software and user documentation.
Phase 2: Implement New Indicator
- Code the new indicator into the software.
- Test the new indicator.
- Develop user documentation.
Phase 3: Maintain Existing Indicators
- Review evidence on the use of the indicator.
- Update technical specifications.
- Periodic review by clinical panels.
- Consider new data and methodological advances.
These phases and processes sometimes may require modifications to meet the needs of indicator development in new areas. For a more in-depth explanation, see the reports below.
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Summary Report
Quality Indicator Measure Development, Implementation, Maintenance and Retirement Summary Report, January 2011
Full Report
Quality Indicator Measure Development, Implementation, Maintenance and Retirement Full Report, January 2011
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Retirement Announcements
May 23, 2019 - 21 indicators retired in v2019: PQI, IQI, PSI and PDI Indicators
September 22, 2017 - AHRQ announces the retirement of indicators in v7.0: IQI Area Level, IQI Hospital Level and PSI Area Level & Hospital Level Indicators.
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The National Quality Forum (NQF) is an independent, voluntary, consensus-based member organization that endorses standardized quality measures. See which AHRQ QIs were previously endorsed by NQF.
AHRQ will no longer seek NQF re-endorsement for its portfolio of measures in the AHRQ Quality Indicators (QIs) program starting in fiscal year 2022. Click here for rationale. - New!