Continued Process Quality Measures Short Title: QM-1: Nonpharmacological Interventions for ACC/AHA Stage Elevated BP QM-1: Percentage of Adults 18 to 85 Years of Age Who Had a Diagnosis of ACC/AHA Stage Elevated BP Who Have a Documented Discussion of Intensive Lifestyle Modification in 1 Visits During the Measurement Year Measure Description: Percentage of patients with ACC/AHA stage elevated BP who have a documented discussion of intensive lifestyle modification in 1 visits during the measurement year Numerator Patients who have a documented discussion of intensive lifestyle modification at least once in the performance year and in accordance with ACC/AHA guidelines on nonpharmacological therapy Denominator All patients 18 85 y of age who had at least 1 outpatient encounter with a diagnosis of HBP during the first 6 mo of the measurement year or any time before the measurement period Denominator Exclusions Pregnancy, BP readings taken during an inpatient stay Denominator Exceptions None Measurement Period 12 mo/measurement year Sources of Data Paper medical record/prospective data collection flow sheet, Qualified Electronic Health Record, QCDR, electronic administrative data (claims), expanded (multiple source) administrative data, electronically or telephonically transmitted BP readings Attribution Physician group practice, accountable care organization, clinically integrated network, health plan, integrated delivery system Care Setting Outpatient (office, clinic, home, or ambulatory) Rationale Effective management of elevated BP requires intensive lifestyle modification. In those diagnosed with elevated BP, nonpharmacological therapy is useful in preventing ACC/AHA stage 1 or 2 hypertension. Dietary modification is a fundamental approach to the prevention and management of elevated BP and complements pharmacological management of hypertension. The DASH diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber and low in saturated and total fat, has been demonstrated to be effective in lowering BP. 