Core Performance Measures for Migraine Headache: A Review by the American College of Physicians

Migraine is a chronic condition that affects about 15% of the population in the United States and is characterized by recurrent, debilitating headache that lasts somewhere between 4 and 72 hours. Only 1 performance measure for migraine is currently in use in pay-for-performance programs. Although the American College of Physicians (ACP) broadly supports the role of performance measurement in performance improvement, this support is based on the principle that only measures that are evidence-based and meet high standards of methodological soundness are appropriate given their potential impact on patient care. ACP's Performance Measurement Committee reviews performance measures using a rigorous process to recognize high-quality performance measures, address gaps and areas for improvement in performance measures, and help reduce reporting burden. This article presents a review of 1 performance measure that includes migraine and considers a potential core performance measure using ACP's process to inform physicians, payers, and policymakers.