WHAT, PART 1: The sinusitis group features six individual measures: documentation of current medications in the medical record (PQRS #130), pain assessment and follow-up (PQRS #131), preventive care and screening for tobacco (PQRS #226), antibiotic prescribed for acute sinusitis (PQRS #331), appropriate choice of antibiotic (PQRS #332), and CT for acute sinusitis (PQRS #333).
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February 2015WHAT, PART 2: The acute otitis externa (AOE) group has eight individual measures: use of topical therapy for AOE (PQRS #91), avoidance of systemic therapy for AOE (PQRS #93), documentation of current medications in the medical record (PQRS #130), pain assessment and follow-up (PQRS #131), risk assessment for falls (PQRS #154), plan of care for falls (PQRS #155), preventive care and screening for tobacco (PQRS #226), and preventive care and screening for high blood pressure (PQRS #317).
WHEN: The measures groups are in place for calendar year 2015, which covers the reporting period for calendar year 2013. Accordingly, the reporting in 2016 is for calendar year 2014.
WHY: Measures groups are less burdensome to otolaryngology practices reporting on individual measures and, because 2015 is the first year in which CMS will deduct reimbursements for not participating in PQRS, the timing is meant to spare otolaryngologists the more difficult process. The AAO-HNSF is considering other measures groups to push for in the future.—RQ