2016 Sepsis Update: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Core Measure Quicksand . Introducing the CMS Sepsis Core Measure . Core Measure Severe Sepsis • Evidence of organ dysfunction (attributed to sepsis) • Sepsis induced hypotension Sepsis could affect VBP in three of its four components: process of care and core measures, cost efficiency, and possibly outcomes and 30-day mortality rates. As mentioned above, sepsis will be a new core measure in 2016, meaning it could be one of the 12 chosen by CMS to be measured regarding VBP. Core measure performance is an integral part of ongoing TJC Accreditation and is publicly reported by CMS. Standards for satisfactory compliance are often 96 percent or higher. The Sepsis Core Measure involves minimum sets of actions required by 3-hour and 6-hour time points after a patient reaches severe sepsis or septic shock (figure). The CMS sepsis core measures detail different clinical criteria and parameters that define the qualifications for severe sepsis and septic shock. The CMS definition of severe sepsis is an infection or suspected infection with two or more SIRS criteria plus one sign of organ dysfunction (Table 3). Quality Improvement and Core Measures 101 Why are the New Sepsis Measures Important? CMS believes that this is an important area for measurement because mortality rates range from 16- to the CMS/TJC Specifications Manual Instructions The National Quality Forum (NQF) ratified the measures for the treatment and management of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock as submitted collaboratively the Henry Ford Hospital, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Measures ratified by NQF are considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) for public reporting and payment Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Change Package: 2016. Chicago, IL: Health Research & Educational Trust. in 2014 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services added a requirement for hospitals