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HEDIS ECDS Provider Flyer

Date: 08/04/26

HEDIS® ECDS Guide for Providers The Transition Toward Fully Digital Quality Measurement

NCQA has developed Electronic Clinical Data Systems (ECDS) measures and implemented the ECDS reporting method as part of the CMS plan to transition all quality measurements to fully digital quality measures (dQMs) by 2030.

This broad transformation centers on using standardized, interoperable data from electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical information systems to streamline reporting, reduce administrative burden, and improve data accuracy to enable more timely, actionable insights into care quality.

The ECDS reporting method and measures reduce manual chart review and integrate clinical information to better identify care gaps, highlight patient needs, and support more accurate performance measurement.

Additionally, providers who participate in electronic data sharing can increase their performance in value-based care programs and strengthen care coordination.

  • What Providers Can Do Now
    • While Providing Care
      • Conduct preventive care visits annually and ensure patients are up to date with recommended screenings.
      • Educate patients on the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.
      • Speak with patients about mail-order prescription refills to improve medication adherence.
      • Speak with patients about transportation benefits to assist with access to care.
      • Encourage the use of telehealth when appropriate.
      • Collect language, race, ethnicity, and disability information from patients or their caregivers.
    • Electronic Data Sharing
      • Use structured, standardized data (e.g., SNOMED, LOINC, ICD-10) instead of free text to ensure patient information can be shared consistently.
      • Improve documentation workflows and data quality by training staff to capture accurate and complete information in the correct fields.
      • Optimize EHR capabilities by enabling HIE connections, direct messaging, ADT alerts, and FHIR/API integrations.
      • Participate in a Health Information Exchange (HIE) to share and access patient information.
      • Coordinate electronically with care partners by sharing referrals and results through digital channels.

To learn more about ECDS, visit NCQA Website.