Who is eligible for MIPS 445?

All patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Is MIPS 445 a topped-out measure?

No, MIPS 445 is not topped out, meaning there is still meaningful performance variation across clinicians.

Measure ID: MIPS 445|Cardiac Surgery|2026 Performance Year

Risk-Adjusted Operative Mortality for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

Percent of patients aged 18 years and older undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) who die, including both all deaths occurring during the hospitalization in which the CABG was performed, even if after 30 days, and those deaths occurring after discharge from the hospital, but within 30 days of the procedure.

Outcome – High PriorityCardiac SurgeryAppropriate Treatment

Last updated: January 15, 2026

⚙️

Measure Specification

Denominator (Eligible Population)

Patients aged ≥ 18 years on date of encounter UAND Patient procedure during the performance period

ORPatient procedure during the performance period

ORPerformance Met: Patient died including all deaths occurring during the hospitalization in which the operation was performed, even if after 30 days, and those deaths occurring after discharge from the hospital, but within 30 days of the procedure (G9812)

Denominator Exclusions

None

Numerator

Number of patients undergoing isolated CABG who die, including both all deaths occurring during the hospitalization in which the operation was performed, even if after 30 days, and those deaths occurring after discharge from the hospital, but within 30 days of the procedure.

Submission Codes (QDCs)

✓ Performance Met

G9812Patient died including all deaths occurring during the hospitalization in which the operation was performed, even if after 30 days, and those deaths occurring after discharge from the hospital, but within 30 days of the procedure

✗ Performance Not Met

G9813Patient did not die within 30 days of the procedure or during the index hospitalization

Denominator Exceptions

None — this measure has no denominator exceptions.

🧮MIPS Score Simulator

Estimate only — actual CMS scoring may vary based on reporting method, data completeness, and annual rule updates.

Your Performance Rate:%Benchmarks vary by collection type

💡 Tip: Enter your performance rate to compare MIPS points across all collection types. The same rate can score differently depending on how you submit.

VBCA Insights

💡Why This Measure Matters

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the gold standard for many patients with severe coronary disease, but mortality does vary by surgeon and center. This measure tracks deaths during hospitalization and within 30 days of surgery, risk-adjusted for patient factors. High mortality is a red flag for systematic review of surgical technique, anesthesia, or postoperative care. Use your results to benchmark against peers and identify opportunities for improvement.

📖Clinical Rationale

Quality measurement and outcome analysis of this common cardiac procedure will drive process improvement for providers and assist patients with decision-making related to treatment of coronary disease.

📝Clinical Recommendations

Mortality is likely the single most important negative outcome that can be associated with a surgical procedure. Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most common cardiac surgery performed in the US.

📋Implementation Notes

This measure contains one strata defined by a single submission criteria. This measure produces a single performance rate. For the purposes of MIPS implementation, this patient-process measure is submitted a minimum of once per patient during the performance period. The most advantageous quality data code will be used if the measure is submitted more than once.

This is an inverse measure which means a lower calculated performance rate for this measure indicates better clinical care or control. The “Performance Not Met” numerator option for this measure is the representation of the better clinical quality or control. Submitting that numerator option will produce a performance rate that trends closer to 0%, as quality increases.

For inverse measures, a rate of 100% means all of the denominator eligible patients did not receive the appropriate care or were not in proper control.

Report this measure through VBCA

Our QCDR handles measure selection, data validation, and submission—so you can focus on clinical performance.

Learn About Our QCDR →

Risk-Adjusted Operative Mortality for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

Measure Specification

Denominator (Eligible Population)

Denominator Exclusions

Numerator

Submission Codes (QDCs)

Denominator Exceptions

🧮MIPS Score Simulator

💡Why This Measure Matters

📖Clinical Rationale

📝Clinical Recommendations

📋Implementation Notes

Measure Details

Specialty Sets

Related Measures

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): Prolonged Intubation

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): Postoperative Renal Failure

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): Surgical Re-Exploration

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Antiplatelet Therapy

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Spirometry Evaluation and Long-Acting

Stroke and Stroke Rehabilitation: Thrombolytic Therapy

Osteoporosis Management in Women Who Had a Fracture

Appropriate Workup Prior to Endometrial Ablation

Uterine Artery Embolization Technique: Documentation of Angiographic Endpoints

Official Resources

Report this measure through VBCA