Starting January 1, 2017, the quality measure for COPD and bronchodilator use has been changed to require the prescription of long-acting bronchodilators to fulfill to quality measures. The new measure now reads:
Measure #52 (NQF XXXX): Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Long-Acting Inhaled Bronchodilator Therapy – National Quality Strategy Domain: Effective Clinical CareDescription:
Percentage of patients aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70%) and who have an FEV1 less than 60% predicted and have symptoms who were prescribed a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator (emphasis added).
The previous measure did not differentiate between short and long-acting inhaled bronchodilators. However, COPD treatment guidelines developed by the ATS and other professional organizations strongly recommend the use of long-acting bronchodilators for patients with COPD.
The ATS Quality Improvement and Implementation Committee worked with staff at CMS to update the measure to better align with clinical practice guidelines and to improve patient care. CMS has accepted the revision as an administrative change and will implement the revised measure starting January 1, 2017. Providers should make note of the change in the quality measure and ensure they are reporting the revised measure accurately.
