Clinical Scorecard: Preparing for Health Equity Measures

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• CMS mandates ASCs to screen for SDOH starting in 2024.
• Failure to comply results in a 2% reduction in annual fee schedule updates.
• Concerns raised about ASCs' capacity to implement and act on SDOH data, including staffing and technology limitations.
• Critics argue that SDOH data collection may duplicate efforts by primary care providers.
• Ocular surgery groups advocate for revisions or delays in the ASCQR program due to the burden on ASCs.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess the need for screening for SDOH in the ASC setting, considering existing data collection by primary care providers.

Management

• Implement a structure for screening Medicare patients for SDOH, ensuring adequate staffing and resources.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Report the number of positive SDOH responses annually, while addressing ethical concerns about handling sensitive information.

Risks

• Potential ethical concerns about handling sensitive SDOH information and the implications of not being able to act on it.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Medicare patients in ASCs.

ASCs may lack the infrastructure to support SDOH screening effectively.

Clinical Best Practices

• Engage in dialogue with CMS regarding ASCQR program adjustments, emphasizing the need for adequate resources.
• Consider the appropriateness of the ASC setting for SDOH screening, given the concerns about privacy and infrastructure.
• Evaluate existing resources before implementing new screening measures, ensuring ASCs have the capacity to support these initiatives.

References

• CMS Health Equity Definition