This measure assesses chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations for adults 40 years of age and older who had appropriate medication therapy to manage an exacerbation.
COPD is a debilitating lung condition that affects one in eight Americans age 45 and older.
A COPD exacerbation is defined as an acute inpatient discharge or emergency department visit with a primary discharge diagnosis of COPD.
There are 2 rates that are reported for this measure:
- Dispensed a systemic corticosteroid (or there is evidence of an active prescription) within 14 days of the event
- Dispensed a bronchodilator (or there is evidence of an active prescription) within 30 days of the COPD exacerbation event
Providers are encouraged to have a COPD action plan: that is a personalized patient tool that includes the important steps to help manage COPD. This plan includes medications, exercise, diet, and avoidance of triggers, such as tobacco products and other inhaled irritants.
To achieve this measure providers should follow these helpful steps:
- Schedule a f/u appt after the COPD exacerbation event.
- Review the list of medications and reconcile the medications that were given to the patient during the discharge
- Document any barriers that prevent the patient from obtaining the medications for the COPD
- Assure the patient with COPD is up to date with the vaccinations, including flu vaccine and Pnuemoccoccal vaccine.
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