ASNC strongly advocates imaging tailored to the individual patient. Although standardized testing may help simplify clinical decision-making, it may lead to inappropriate tests and suboptimal results. Individualizing the testing experience may help patients feel more comfortable during their test.1
The AUC provide recommendations for performing the right test on the right patient at the right time. The ultimate objective of the AUC is to improve patient care and health outcomes in a cost-effective manner.2
Referring and imaging providers should be sufficiently knowledgeable about the benefits and risks of the requested imaging study and discuss this in sufficient detail with the patient to optimally guide decision-making.3
In a meta-analysis of 7 studies that examined quality improvement initiatives for cardiac testing, interventions utilizing physician audit and feedback were strongly associated with a reduction in inappropriate testing and, therefore, the authors concluded that this can help improve the clinical value of cardiac testing.4
Reducing inappropriate imaging orders helps increase the quality of care. One way in which imaging departments may help avoid inappropriate tests is by systematically checking orders. Detecting and correcting an inappropriate imaging order before the test is performed can help improve the overall value of care delivered.5
ACCF = American College of Cardiology Foundation; CABG = coronary artery bypass graft; CCT = coronary computed tomography; CCTA = coronary computed tomography angiography; CHD = coronary heart disease; PCI = percutaneous coronary intervention; PVC = premature ventricular contraction; VT = ventricular tachycardia.
Referring providers can also visit Refer Wisely for assistance in decision-making. These resources can aid communication between team members and facilitate appropriate testing referrals, which may contribute to efficiency in the nuclear lab.
The AUC program is being implemented in a stepwise approach to help healthcare providers prepare. The Educational and Operations Testing Period for implementation of the AUC began January 1, 2020. During this phase, the CMS expects6,a:
aDetails regarding the Medicare AUC program, including the implementation date, are subject to change without notice based on updates issued by CMS.
Phase 1. Educational and Operations Testing Period (began January 1, 2020)6
Phase 2. Full Implementation (for timing, go to the AUC Program page of the CMS website)8
aDetails regarding the CMS AUC program, including the implementation date, are subject to change without notice based on updates issued by CMS.
This useful app allows providers to review the appropriateness of 7 different noninvasive cardiac testing modalities (based on the AUC) for the detection and risk assessment of SIHD.
The Multimodality AUC App is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or condition. It is also not a qualified CDSM. Thus, the Multimodality AUC App must not be used to try and comply with the CMS AUC program requirements. The Multimodality AUC App is for informational purposes only.
References+
1. Dorbala S, Ananthasubramaniam K, Armstrong IS, et al. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging guidelines: instrumentation, acquisition, processing, and interpretation. J Nucl Cardiol 2018;25(5):1784-846. 2. Wolk MJ, Bailey SR, Doherty JU, et al. ACCF/AHA/ASE/ASNC/HFSA/HRS/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR/STS 2013 multimodality appropriate use criteria for the detection and risk assessment of stable ischemic heart disease. J Am Coll Cardiol 2014;63(4):380-406. 3. Einstein AJ, Berman DS, Min JK, et al. Patient-centered imaging: shared decision making for cardiac imaging procedures with exposure to ionizing radiation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2014;63(15):1480-9. 4. Chaudhuri D, Montgomery A, Gulenchyn K, Mitchell M, Joseph P. Effectiveness of quality improvement interventions at reducing inappropriate cardiac imaging: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2016;9(1):7-13. 5. Lane E. Advancing appropriate use of imaging (02-05-2019). https://www.advisory.com/research/imaging-performance-partnership/research-report/2019/advancing-appropriate-use-of-imaging. Accessed 03-04-2022. 6. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Appropriate use criteria (AUC) for advanced diagnostic imaging – educational and operations testing period – claims processing requirements (12-06-2019). https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM11268.pdf. Accessed 03-04-2022. 7. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Clinical decision support mechanisms (12-01-2021). https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/Appropriate-Use-Criteria-Program/CDSM.html. Accessed 03-04-2022. 8. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Appropriate use criteria program (07-07-2022). https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/Appropriate-Use-Criteria-Program/. Accessed 08-27-2022.