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2020 Top Measure Changes for Ophthalmology


Using a combination of the 2020 Final Rule and the 2020 Measure Benchmarks released on 12/31, we have compiled a list of the most important measure changes for this year. This doesn't cover all possible measures for an Ophthalmologist to report on, but these are the ones that are most specific that a majority of our clients will use.

Measures removed for 2020:

  • 192: Cataracts: Complications within 30 Days Following Cataract Surgery Requiring Additional Surgical Procedures
  • 388: Cataract Surgery with Intra-Operative Complications (Unplanned Rupture of Posterior Capsule Requiring Unplanned Vitrectomy)
  • 19: Diabetic Retinopathy: Communication with the Physician Managing Ongoing Diabetes Care

Previously defined measures now have benchmarks for 2020:

  • 226: Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention
  • 384: Adult Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery: No Return to the Operating Room Within 90 Days of Surgery
  • IRIS1: Endothelial Keratoplasty - Post-operative improvement in best corrected visual acuity to 20/40 or better
  • IRIS13: Diabetic Macular Edema - Loss of Visual Acuity
  • IRIS17: Acute Anterior Uveitis: Post-treatment Grade 0 anterior chamber cells
  • IRIS23: Refractive Surgery: Patients with a postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better
  • IRIS26: Avoidance of Routine Antibiotic Use in Patients Before or After Intravitreal Injections

*Measures starting with "IRIS" are only available to users of The American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight). 

Other interesting changes (no change in documentation needed):

  • 238: Use of High-Risk Medications in the Elderly - 7 point cap removed.
  • 117: Diabetes: Eye Exam – If DR diagnosis is documented, the patient must have a dilated exam this year. If they have no DR diagnosis, the patient must have a dilated exam this or last year.
  • 191: Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery – switched from patient basis to procedure basis.
Randy Marsden

Written by Randy Marsden

Randy Marsden is the founder of the MIPS consulting firm MarsdenAdvisors.

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