DSP diagnosis criteria: electrodiagnostic studies

Measure Purpose: Appropriate diagnosis to ensure that the patient receives the best possible treatment

The numerator: Patients who had electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies conducted, documented, and reviewed within 6 months of initial evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy

is divided by

The denominator: All patients age 18 years and older with a diagnosis of distal symmetric polyneuropathy

Exceptions are removed from the denominator for:

• Patient has a skin condition which contraindicates EDX
• Patient declines to undergo testing
• Patient does not have insurance to pay for the testing

Key Phrases

Key phrases you should use to meet this measure include:

• Electrodiagnostic studies conducted, documented and reviewed within 6 months of initial evaluation of DSP

Measure Calculation Example

Dr. Martin had 30 patients over the age of 18 that presented for initial evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy. This is the denominator. Three patients declines to undergo testing and three had skin conditions that contraindicated EDX. These patients are removed from the denominator.

Of the remaining 24 patients, eight had electrodiagnostic studies conducted and documented and reviewed within 6 months of initial evaluation of DSP. This is the numerator.

Quality of care = 8/(30-6). Dr. Martin has a score of 33% for this measure.