As the year winds down and stress ramps up, it’s more important than ever to ensure accurate blood pressure (BP) readings. Seasonal changes and busy schedules can affect lifestyle and stress levels—but quality care shouldn’t slip.

A second BP reading isn’t just good practice—it improves accuracy, reduces false diagnoses, and supports your PCP Quality Incentive Program (PQIP) performance. 

Specifically, the Controlling High Blood Pressure HEDIS measure tracks the percentage of patients 18-85 with hypertension whose blood pressure was controlled (<140/90 mm Hg) during the measurement year. BP = or > 140/90 are considered uncontrolled.

In addition to retaking to reassure, other best practices for accurate BP checks include: 

• Have the patient remain quiet during the measurement.
• Ensure the patient is seated with back support, legs uncrossed, and feet flat on the floor.
• The arm being measured should be supported and at heart level.
• Record patient-reported blood pressure readings with remote visits, including the test date and value in the patient's record.

For data capture best practices, use non-billable CPT Category II Codes:

Questions? 

• Refer to your PQIP booklet. 
• Contact the Quality Team at BCBSRI for further assistance - QualityHEDIS@bcbsri.org.