Opinion

Video

Closing Gaps in DME Care: Harnessing the Power of Comprehensive Data Strategies

Amy Nguyen Howell, MD, MBA, highlights the importance of data collection, analysis, and the new ICD-10-CMZ codes in understanding and resolving health disparities in diabetic macular edema patient care.

This is a video synopsis/summary of an Insights involving Amy Nguyen Howell, MD, MBA.

Howell emphasizes the crucial role of data collection and analysis in understanding and addressing health disparities related to diabetic macular edema (DME). Referring to a recent study by Julia Haller, MD, Howell underscores the multifactorial nature of disparities, impacting racial and ethnic groups, women, different age groups, and visual acuity levels.

Howell introduces the recent introduction of International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)Z codes, specifically codes Z55 to Z65, designed to document social determinants of health (SDOH) data such as housing, food insecurity, and transportation. The integration of SDOH Z codes involves collecting and documenting data at the point of care, ensuring interoperability among coding, billing, and electronic health record systems. Howell emphasizes the importance of identifying patients’ social risk factors and unmet needs to enhance quality of care, care coordination, and patient experience.

The utilization of SDOH Z code data is seen as a means to inform health care services, follow-up, and discharge planning, ultimately leading to more affordable care and appropriate referrals to social services. Reporting this data to organizations and leadership is crucial for informing value-based care opportunities, innovation, and reducing low-value care. Howell emphasizes the potential return on investment that can be reinvested in programs to further advance health equity.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC® editorial staff.

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