Audiology Quality Measure #2

Title

Referral for Otologic Evaluation for Patients with a History of Active Drainage from the Ear within the Previous 90 Days

This is measure #189 on the CMS website. (Select "2012 Physician Quality Reporting System Measure List and Implementation Guide" in the "Downloads" section.)

Description

Percentage of patients aged birth and older who have disease of the ear and mastoid processes referred to a physician (preferably a physician with training in disorders of the ear) for an otologic evaluation subsequent to an audiologic evaluation after presenting with a history of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.

Instructions

This measure is to be reported a minimum of once per reporting period for all patients seen during the reporting period who present with a history of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days. This measure is intended to ensure that patients with active drainage receive a referral in order to receive appropriate care. This measure may be reported by clinicians who perform the quality actions described in the measure based on the services provided and the measure-specific denominator coding.

Numerator

Patients referred to a physician (preferably a physician with training in disorders of the ear) for an otologic evaluation subsequent to an audiologic evaluation who present with a history of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.

Denominator

Patients aged birth and older who have disease of the ear and mastoid processes who present with active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.

Denominator Exclusions

Patients not eligible for the "Referral for Otologic Evaluation for Patients with a History of Active Drainage" measure (e.g. Patients who are already under the care of a physician for active ear drainage.)

Applicable Care Settings

Outpatient Medicare Part B settings (excluding hospital and SNF outpatient setting).

Eligible Providers

Audiologists enrolled in Medicare Part B as a private practitioner.

Contact Information

Lisa Satterfield
Director, Health Care Regulatory Advocacy
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
lsatterfield@asha.org

Paul K. Farrell
Associate Director, Audiology Professional Practices
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
pfarrell@asha.org