Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 4: 2012 – 2016

Our AAO-HNSF is embarking on a very important initiative: the development of a registry for otolaryngology so that all members can share their clinical experience in a format that is searchable, analyzable, and de-indentified. And it is data that we will own: a systematic collection of information that we deem to be relevant. Members will also be able to use this data for quality reporting and for maintenance of certification. This project will be extremely valuable for our member.”

- Gayle E. Woodson, MD, 2014-2015 President, July 2015 Bulletin

AAO-HNSF should go forth with developing an otolaryngology-specific clinical data registry in 2014. Lisa E. Ishii, MD, MHS, Coordinator for Research and Quality, was selected to chair the Registry Task Force. Following extensive discussions during the March 2015 Boards of Directors strategic planning sessions, the Board authorized the formation of a clinical data registry for otolaryngology, which carried a multimillion-dollar price tag. In actively studying this project in the 18 months prior, the AAO-HNSF found that the benefits to members would be substantial: • A registry would allow direct reporting of quality measures to CMS, thus simplifying this process • Registries supported measures development, informed alternative payment models, assisted with maintenance of certification and demonstrated clinical effectiveness • Participants would have access to their data, which they could use in negotiations with payers

Following the authorization of the registry, the Registry Task Force was directed to produce recommendations on the vendor for registry development as well as how otolaryngology would best utilize a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR). The range of priorities included public reporting; information guideline development and supporting performance measure development; demonstrating clinical effectiveness; supporting quality improvement; demonstrating payer value; informing alternative payment models; and maintenance of certification and licensure. Once these priorities were determined, the Task Force proceeded with validation of its decision both internally with the specialty and externally to determine

the interest of other stakeholders for the use of clinical data related to otolaryngology. This helped inform whether the registry would be procedure-based, condition-based, or population-based. The method of data collection was critical since most data at the time could be extracted from existing electronic medical records systems. The Task Force conducted interviews with other registry providers to gather information on best practices in registry development, identify key vendors, and gather feedback on lessons learned given the complexity of registry development. Next, the AAO-HNSF retained Avalere as a consultant to assist in the selection process of a vendor to partner with in this endeavor.

2012: “Website Content Relevancy Project” conducted.

Guidelines International North America was launched in 2012, founded by Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA.

Lisa E. Ishii, MD, MHS, AAO-HNSF Coordinator for Research and Quality and Chair of the Registry Task Force.

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