Audiology Quality Measure #4

Title

Referral for Otologic Evaluation for Patients with Acute or Chronic Dizziness

This is measure #261 on the CMS website. (Select "2012 Physician Quality Reporting System Measure List and Implementation Guide" in the "Downloads" section.)

Description

Percentage of patient aged birth and older referred to a physician (preferably a physician specially trained in disorders of the ear) for an otologic evaluation subsequent to an audiologic evaluation after presenting with acute or chronic dizziness.

Instructions

This measure is to be reported for all patients aged birth and older with dizziness – a minimum of once per reporting period. The physician receiving the referral, or providing care currently, should preferably be specially trained in disorders of the ear.

Numerator

Patients referred to a physician (preferably a physician with training in disorders of the ear) for an otologic evaluation immediately following an audiologic evaluation that verifies and documents acute or chronic dizziness.

Denominator

Patients aged birth and older with verification and documentation of acute or chronic dizziness.

Denominator Exclusions

Patients not eligible for the "Referral for Otologic Evaluation for Patients with Acute or Chronic Dizziness" measure (e.g., patients who are under current care of a physician for acute or chronic dizziness).

Eligible Providers

Includes 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