Activity Counseling for back pain

Measure Purpose: To advise patients to stay active when they are diagnosed with back pain

The numerator: Patients who were counseled to remain active and exercise OR were referred to physical therapy at initial visit for diagnosis of back pain.

is divided by

The denominator: Patients aged 18 to 65 years of age seen for an initial visit for diagnosis of back pain

Exclusions:

• Co-morbid condition that deems the patient unfit to participate in physical activity
• Patient has a history of cancer
• Patient is on immunosuppression medications
• Patient has signs of symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
• Patient has risk factors for fractures
• Existing order for physical therapy from different provider

Key Phrases

Examples of key phrases you might use to meet this measure:

• Exercise education
• Exercise counseling
• Activity counseling
• Referral to physical therapy

Measure Calculation Example

Dr. Bianchi saw 100 patients with back pain between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age between January 1 and December 31 of the measurement year. This is the denominator. One patient had a history of cancer, two were on immunosuppressive medications, and one had osteoporosis. These patients are removed from the denominator.

Of the remaining 96 patients, 40 were counseled on the benefits of remaining active and ten were referred to physical therapy. This is the numerator.

Quality of care =50/(100-4). Dr. Bianchi has a score of 52% for this measure.