Abstract 245: Achieving Appropriate Use Metrics for Angioplasty

Abstract

Background: With the development of appropriate use metrics for coronary angioplasty, application of these criteria to the NYS PCI data base resulted in 14.3% of PCIs in NYS being deemed “inappropriate”. While “inappropriate” has been changed to “rarely appropriate’’ in professional society guidelines, public interpretation of this designation, medicolegal issues, and reimbursement for procedures in this category remain concerns. Because the bulk of PCI procedures are ad hoc, appropriateness of treatment is largely determined by preprocedural documentation and treatment.

Procedure: The 2010 SBUH “inappropriate” PCI rate from NYS was utilized as a baseline and compared with post intervention Qtr 4, 2012 - Qtr 3, 2013. Trained abstractors audited charts to identify patients that would potentially be classified “inappropriate” and determine which data elements were missing most frequently. A preprocedural screening tool was developed and implemented to establish PCI appropriateness as supported by adequate documentation and preprocedural medical therapy. Pretest outpatient NP screening identified and addressed concerns identified by using the preprocedural tool. A monthly meeting was organized where Physician Specific compliance reports that had been created were reviewed.

Results: Baseline “inappropriate” interventions at SBUH comprised 24.8% of total PCI. Inappropriate classification was due to both inadequate documentation and less than optimal medical therapy. Implementation of the PCI AU tool resulted in a sustained decline in the “inappropriate” procedures to 1.6% (NCDR mean 2.5% for this time period). An additional unanticipated benefit of the process has been that the feedback provided to referring attendings continues to improve required documentation and medical therapy supporting PCI revascularization. The tool will be shared at presentation.

Conclusions: The combination development of a PCI screening tool for potential ad hoc intervention patients and outpatient review of documentation and medical therapy allowed a substantial improvement in PCI appropriateness. Appropriate feedback to referring physicians augmented the effect of these process changes and improved appropriate utilization.