NCQA's First CMO Aims to Modernize Quality Measurement for the AI Era

Quality measurement in healthcare has long been a double-edged sword. While it's essential for improving patient outcomes and care delivery, many clinicians find it burdensome and disconnected from their daily practice. Dr. Ari Robicsek, the first chief medical officer of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), is on a mission to change that.

"Quality measures ultimately land on clinicians," said Dr. Robicsek. "They're at the pointy end of the stick." As healthcare enters an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), interoperable clinical data, and digital quality measures, Robicsek sees a unique opportunity to reduce administrative burdens while delivering more meaningful feedback to clinicians and better outcomes for patients.

Robicsek joins NCQA after leading enterprise analytics, clinical decision support, AI deployment, and research at Providence health system. His appointment reflects the organization's commitment to integrating a practicing clinician’s perspective into measure development, which directly impacts over 230 million Americans.

Modernizing Quality Measurement

One of Robicsek's primary goals is to ensure that quality measures truly matter. He believes that every measure should be evaluated with the same scientific rigor expected of other healthcare interventions. "A quality measure is an intervention in the healthcare system," he explained. "Like any intervention, it can help, do nothing, or cause harm."

Robicsek wants NCQA to continually assess existing measures against real-world outcomes, refining those that work and retiring those that no longer improve care. This approach is a significant departure from the traditional assumption that all existing measures remain valuable.

AI, in particular, is poised to revolutionize quality measurement. From chart abstraction and ambient documentation to clinical decision support and patient engagement, AI can provide deeper insights and more accurate data. Robicsek envisions a future where AI complements human creativity, communication, and judgment, rather than replacing them. "The key highlights of what AI can't replicate are creativity, communication, and judgment," he noted.

A 2024 study in npj Digital Medicine found that natural language processing (NLP) can significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of quality measurement. This technology can help clinicians focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks, thereby improving both job satisfaction and patient outcomes.

Why It Matters

The implications of modernizing quality measurement extend far beyond individual clinics and hospitals. By reducing administrative burdens and providing more actionable feedback, NCQA's efforts could lead to a more efficient and effective healthcare system. This is particularly important as the U.S. Faces growing challenges in healthcare access and affordability.

Ensuring that quality measures are scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant can help build trust between patients and providers. When clinicians feel that their time and effort are being used effectively, they are more likely to engage with quality improvement initiatives, leading to better overall care.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Robicsek's vision for NCQA represents a critical step toward a future where technology enhances, rather than hinders, the delivery of high-quality care. By bridging the gap between clinical practice and quality measurement, he aims to create a system that truly benefits both patients and providers.

In an era where AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare, Robicsek's leadership at NCQA could set a new standard for how we measure and improve the quality of care. His approach emphasizes collaboration, continuous evaluation, and a commitment to real-world outcomes-principles that are essential for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare.