Quality measures in electrodiagnosis: Carpal tunnel syndrome—An AANEM Quality Measure Set
Sasha Živković, Gregory Gruener, Michele L. Arnold, Carrie Winter, Teryl K. Nuckols, Pushpa Narayanaswami
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neuromuscular condition and a major cause of work-related disability. As healthcare in the United States transitions toward a value-based system from fee-for-service, quality measures assume importance in the evaluation of care provided. This report from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine Quality Improvement Committee provides an introduction to quality measures and outlines a quality measurement set for the electrodiagnosis of CTS. The measures attempt to standardize technical requirements for electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies of CTS, the criteria for diagnosing median neuropathy at the wrist and assessing its severity, and the role of operative EDX testing. The assumption is that implementation of these measures will improve the accuracy of CTS diagnosis when EDX is performed, help exclude mimics, and, therefore, improve care of patients with CTS with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes. Postimplementation assessment of outcomes will refine these measures.