Use of Contrast: Thorax CT (NQF 0513)

eMeasure Name Use of Contrast: Thorax CT eMeasure Id 67EC3463-9F40-4419-8A17-8922E6D66925
Version number 1 eMeasure Set Id F53E544C-1B56-472E-B796-87BE9AB84080
Available Date No information Measurement Period January 1, 20xx through December 31, 20xx
Measure Steward CMS/Lewin Group
Endorsed by National Quality Forum
Description This measure calculates the percentage of thorax studies that are performed with and without contrast out of all thorax studies performed (those with contrast, those without contrast, and those with both). It is designed as an efficiency measure for hospital outpatient facilities. The initial patient population consists of the number of thorax CT studies performed with contrast, without contrast, and with and without contrast on patients 18 years or older. The denominator is the same as the initial patient population. The numerator consists of the number of thorax CT studies performed with and without contrast on patients 18 years or older.
Copyright
Measure scoring Proportion
Measure type Process
Stratification
None
Risk Adjustment
None
Data Aggregation
Rationale
Current literature clearly defines indications for the use of combined studies, that is, examinations performed without contrast followed by contrast enhancement. The intent of this measure is to assess questionable utilization of contrast agents that carry an element of risk and significantly increase examination cost.
Clinical Recommendation Statement
While there may be a direct financial benefit to the service provider for the use of contrast agents due to increased reimbursements for "combined" studies, this measure is directed at the identification of those providers who typically employ interdepartmental/facility protocols that call for its use in nearly all cases. The mistaken concept is that more information is always better than not enough. The focus of this measure is one of the specific body parts where the indications for contrast material are more specifically defined.
Improvement notation
No information
Measurement duration
12 month(s)
Reference
Definition
Initial Patient Population(s): The number of thorax CT studies performed with contrast, without contrast, and with and without contrast on patients 18 years or older.
Definition
Denominator(s): Same as the initial patient population.
Definition
Denominator Exclusion(s): N/A
Definition
Numerator(s): The number of thorax CT studies that are performed with and without contrast.
Definition
Denominator Exception(s): N/A
Guidance
Supplemental Data Elements
Report "Patient Characteristic: Gender" using "Gender HL7 Value Set (2.16.840.1.113883.1.11.1)"; Report "Patient Characteristic: Race" using "Race CDC Value Set (2.16.840.1.114222.4.11.836)"; Report "Patient Characteristic: Ethnicity" using "Ethnicity CDC Value Set (2.16.840.1.114222.4.11.837)"; Report "Patient Characteristic: Payer" using "Payer Source of Payment Typology Value Set (2.16.840.1.113883.3.221.5)".

Table of Contents


Population criteria

Data criteria (QDM Data Elements)

Supplemental Data Elements




Measure set CLINICAL QUALITY MEASURE SET 2011-2012