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Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery

Compare Versions of: "Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery"

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Measure Information 2022 Performance Period 2023 Performance Period 2024 Performance Period
Title Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery Cataracts: 20 over 40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery
CMS eCQM ID CMS133v10 CMS133v11 CMS133v12
CBE ID 0565e 0565e 0565e
MIPS Quality ID 191 191 191
Description

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Definition *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

None

Initial Population

All cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 years and older who did not meet any exclusion criteria

All cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 years and older who did not meet any exclusion criteria

All cataract surgeries performed between January and September of the measurement period for patients 18 years and older

Numerator

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Numerator Exclusions

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Denominator

Equals Initial Population

Equals Initial Population

Equals Initial Population

Denominator Exclusions

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Denominator Exceptions

None

None

None

Measure Steward American Academy of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology
Measure Scoring Proportion measure Proportion measure Proportion measure
Measure Type Outcome measure Outcome measure Outcome measure
Improvement Notation

Higher score indicates better quality

Higher score indicates better quality

Higher score indicates better quality

Guidance

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the reporting period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible professional or eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.5. Please refer to the eCQI resource center for more information on the QDM.

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the reporting period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible professional or eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the reporting period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible professional or eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.

Telehealth Eligible No No No
Rationale *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

In the United States, cataracts affect more than 24 million adults over 40 years (National Eye Institute, 2019). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2021), cataract surgery has a substantial beneficial impact on visual function and on quality of life.

1. Scientific basis for measuring visual acuity outcomes after cataract surgery

The only reason to perform cataract surgery (other than for a limited set of medical indications) is to improve a patient's vision and associated functioning. The use of a 20/40 visual acuity threshold is based on several considerations. First, it is the level for unrestricted operation of a motor vehicle in the US. Second, it has been consistently used by the FDA in its assessment for approval of intraocular lens (IOL) and other vision devices. Third, it is the literature standard to denote success in cataract surgery. Fourth, work by West et al. in the Salisbury Eye Study suggests that 20/40 is a useful threshold for 50th percentile functioning for several vision-related tasks.

Most patients achieve excellent visual acuity after cataract surgery (20/40 or better). This outcome is achieved consistently through careful attention through the accurate measurement of axial length and corneal power and the appropriate selection of an IOL power calculation formula. As such, it reflects the care and diligence with which the surgery is assessed, planned and executed. Failure to achieve this after surgery in eyes without comorbid ocular conditions that would impact the success of the surgery would reflect care that should be assessed for opportunities for improvement.

The exclusion of patients with other ocular and systemic conditions known to increase the risk of an adverse outcome reflects the findings of the two published prediction rule papers for cataract surgery outcomes, by Mangione et al. (1995) and Steinberg et al. (1994). In both papers, the presence of comorbid glaucoma and macular degeneration negatively impacted the likelihood of successful outcomes of surgery. Further, as noted in the prior indicator, exclusion of eyes with ocular conditions that could impact the success of the surgery would NOT eliminate the large majority of eyes undergoing surgery while also minimizing the potential adverse selection that might otherwise occur relative to those patients with the most complex situations who might benefit the most from having surgery to maximize their remaining vision.

2. Evidence of a gap in care

Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in the majority of people who have the procedure.

Data from a study of 368,256 cataract surgeries show that corrected visual acuity (CDVA) of 0.5 (20/40) or better was achieved in 94.3% and CDVA of 1.0 (20/20) or better was achieved in 61.3% of cases (Lundstrom, Barry, Henry, Rosen & Stenevi, 2013).

Additionally, data from a UK multi-center Cataract National Dataset found a postoperative visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or better was achieved for 94.7% of eyes with no co-pathologies and in 79.9% of eyes with one or more co-pathologies (Jaycock et al., 2009).

 

A rate of 85.5-94.7% of patients achieving a 20/40 or better visual acuity in the context of approximately 3 million cataract surgeries in the US annually would mean that between 160,000 to 435,000 individuals would not achieve a 20/40 or better visual acuity which suggests an opportunity for improvement.

Stratification *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

None

Risk Adjustment *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

None

Clinical Recommendation Statement *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

This is an outcome measure. As such, there is no statement in the guideline specific to this measurement topic.

Next Version No Version Available
Previous Version No Version Available

Header

  • Updated the eCQM version number.

    Measure Section: eCQM Version Number

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Updated Measure Steward.

    Measure Section: Measure Steward

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Updated Measure Developer.

    Measure Section: Measure Developer

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Updated copyright.

    Measure Section: Copyright

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Updated disclaimer.

    Measure Section: Disclaimer

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Added clarifying language to guidance section indicating that the measure is not eligible for telehealth visits.

    Measure Section: Guidance

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Added clarifying language to guidance section of episode-based measures to define the episode.

    Measure Section: Guidance

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

Logic

  • Replaced the 'Episcleritis and Scleritis' value set with a 'Scleritis' value set to reflect updated guidance that episcleritis does not affect central visual acuity and is therefore not a valid exclusion for this measure.

    Measure Section: Denominator Exclusions

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Updated the version number of the Measure Authoring Tool (MAT) Global Common Functions Library (MATGlobalCommonFunctions-6.2.000). Updated the 'Inpatient Encounter' definition to include a 'day of' timing clarification. Added the following timing functions: Normalize Interval, Has Start, Has End, Latest, Latest Of, Earliest, and Earliest Of. Please see individual measure details for application of specific timing functions.

    Measure Section: Multiple Sections

    Source of Change: Standards Update

  • Added new NormalizeInterval function to timing attributes to decrease implementation burden due to variable use of timing attributes for select QDM data types. The NormalizeInterval function was applied, where applicable, for the following data elements: Assessment, Performed; Device, Applied; Diagnostic Study, Performed; Intervention, Performed; Laboratory Test, Performed; Medication, Administered; Medication, Dispensed; Physical Exam, Performed; Procedure, Performed; Substance, Administered.

    Measure Section: Multiple Sections

    Source of Change: Standards Update

Value Set

The VSAC is the source of truth for the value set content, please visit the VSAC for downloads of current value sets.

  • Value set Acute and Subacute Iridocyclitis (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1241): Added 6 SNOMED CT codes (332921000119107, 338531000119102, 344301000119109, 675361000119103, 675371000119109, 675381000119107) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Cataract Surgery (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1411): Added 3 SNOMED CT codes (172523009, 860930005, 860934001) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Cloudy Cornea (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1417): Added 3 SNOMED CT codes (333881000119109, 339481000119109, 344611000119101) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Corneal Edema (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1418): Added 3 SNOMED CT codes (336241000119105, 341851000119102, 347061000119104) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Hereditary Corneal Dystrophies (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1424): Deleted 2 SNOMED CT codes (418946006, 419087002) based on terminology update. Added 18 ICD-10-CM codes based on terminology update. Deleted 7 ICD-10-CM codes (H18.50, H18.51, H18.52, H18.53, H18.54, H18.55, H18.59) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Central Corneal Ulcer (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1428): Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (95731004) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Pathologic Myopia (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1432): Added 5 SNOMED CT codes (16837461000119106, 16837521000119102, 335471000119108, 346481000119100, 846621001) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Uveitis (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1444): Added 7 SNOMED CT codes (870199008, 870273007, 870329005, 870331001, 870332008, 870333003, 870335005) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Visual Field Defects (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1446): Added 5 SNOMED CT codes (16059151000119108, 16059191000119103, 336171000119109, 341781000119100, 346991000119107). Added 14 ICD-10-CM codes based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Amblyopia (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1448): Added 4 SNOMED CT codes (335461000119102, 341071000119100, 343371000119101, 346331000119107) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Choroidal Detachment (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1451): Added 7 SNOMED CT codes (336071000119108, 334901000119109, 332111000119102, 343491000119109, 341681000119105, 340511000119109, 337721000119107) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Choroidal Hemorrhage and Rupture (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1452): Added 4 SNOMED CT codes (336051000119104, 336061000119102, 341661000119101, 341671000119107) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Degenerative Disorders of Globe (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1454): Deleted 3 SNOMED CT codes (247178009, 30523006, 3712000) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Disorders of Visual Cortex (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1458): Added 6 ICD-10-CM codes (H47.621, H47.622, H47.631, H47.632, H47.641, H47.642) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Value set Glaucoma Associated with Congenital Anomalies, Dystrophies, and Systemic Syndromes (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1461): Added 5 SNOMED CT codes (15673041000119101, 15679801000119105, 333151000119108, 338761000119103, 370504007) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Hereditary Choroidal Dystrophies (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1462): Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (715417002) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Optic Atrophy (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1466): Added 6 SNOMED CT codes (348051000119102, 348501000119108, 680991000119108, 838307002, 838345001, 870319003) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Other and Unspecified Forms of Chorioretinitis and Retinochoroiditis (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1468): Added 14 SNOMED CT codes based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Other Disorders of Optic Nerve (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1471): Added 4 SNOMED CT codes (838324008, 838363001, 860808008, 860884007) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Prior Penetrating Keratoplasty (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1475): Added 7 SNOMED CT codes (334551000119102, 334561000119100, 340151000119101, 340161000119104, 345511000119103, 345521000119105, 349321000119104) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Retinal Detachment with Retinal Defect (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1478): Added 2 SNOMED CT codes (331831000119109, 337451000119106) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Separation of Retinal Layers (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1482): Added 3 SNOMED CT codes (334891000119105, 340501000119106, 345811000119101) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Degeneration of Macula and Posterior Pole (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1453): Added 5 SNOMED CT codes (247200005, 335531000119109, 341141000119106, 346401000119108, 789220007) based on terminology update. Deleted 2 SNOMED CT codes (247145002, 247148000) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Retinal Vascular Occlusion (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1479): Added 11 SNOMED CT codes (15997911000119103, 15997951000119102, 16279401000119108, 16279441000119105, 16711111000119100, 16711631000119103, 333281000119108, 337421000119103, 338891000119100, 677771000119102, 680941000119100) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Diabetic Retinopathy (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.327): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (870420005) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Glaucoma (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1423): Added 1 SNOMED CT codes (15679801000119105) based on terminology update. Deleted 6 SNOMED CT codes (10100008, 193546005, 193549003, 367360002, 55129006, 66990007) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Cataract, Congenital (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1412): Added 8 SNOMED CT codes (335841000119103, 341451000119100, 346711000119101, 346731000119106, 349281000119109, 679911000119104, 679931000119109, 681041000119106) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Cataract, Posterior Polar (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1414): Added 2 SNOMED CT codes (15737681000119103, 16477021000119103) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Posterior Lenticonus (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1433): Added 3 SNOMED CT codes (15987911000119102, 840458000, 15987871000119100) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Traumatic Cataract (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1443): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (866114005) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Macular Scar of Posterior Polar (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1559): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (344341000119106) based on terminology update. Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (246181000119100) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Open Wound of Eyeball (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1430): Added 4 SNOMED CT codes (10942751000119100, 10942791000119105, 735657000, 870312007) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Value Set Nystagmus and Other Irregular Eye Movements (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1465): Added 1 ICD-10-CM codes (H55.82) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Added value set Scleritis (2.16.840.1.113762.1.4.1226.1) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Removed value set Scleritis and Episcleritis (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1481) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024