Carpal Tunnel Syndrome PIP Clinical Module - Stage 2-Clinical Quality Measures for Electrodiagnosis in Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Clinical Quality Measures for Electrodiagnosis in Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Extensive research has found that medical care in the United States is not consistently of optimal quality, which has led to the need for specific measures to assess and improve quality of care. In this study, quality measures for electrodiagnostic testing in suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were developed using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. The measures were developed by a panel of experts and cover compelling indications for testing, essential test components, skin temperature measurement and normalization, and appropriate interpretation of test results. The measures aim to define a minimum standard of care for the use of electrodiagnostic tests in suspected CTS. They are consistent with guidelines developed by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. The measures can be used by provider organizations, insurance companies, and professional societies to monitor and improve the quality of care for CTS. The measures address underuse and misuse of electrodiagnostic testing in suspected CTS, two types of quality-of-care problems. Future efforts may involve standardizing reporting formats and summary language for electrodiagnostic test results to facilitate monitoring and improvement of quality of care.

Keywords

medical care quality

United States healthcare

electrodiagnostic testing

carpal tunnel syndrome

RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method

quality measures

American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine

provider organizations

insurance companies

professional societies

CTS