Understanding diabetic measures
Kidney Health Evaluation for Patients with Diabetes (KED), Glycemic Status Assessment for Patients with Diabetes (GSD), and Eye Exam for Patients with Diabetes (EED) are key indicators used to evaluate the quality of care provided to patients with diabetes. KED focuses on ensuring patients receive appropriate kidney function monitoring. EED measures whether diabetic patients receive timely retinal eye exams to identify and manage diabetic retinopathy. GSD evaluates how well a patient’s blood sugar is controlled based on their most recent HbA1c.
These measures are included in the Medicare Stars program, where performance impacts plan ratings, incentives, and overall quality outcomes, making them critical focus areas for gap closure and provider engagement.
Why these measures matter together
The impact of these diabetic measures is significant because each one targets a critical component of diabetes management and long-term health outcomes. KED supports early identification and monitoring of kidney disease, helping prevent progression to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure through timely intervention. EED promotes routine retinal eye exams, which are essential for detecting diabetic retinopathy early and reducing the risk of irreversible vision loss. GSD focuses on maintaining controlled blood glucose levels, which lowers the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and hospitalization.
When these measures are grouped together, they provide a more comprehensive, whole-person approach by addressing metabolic control, organ function, and complication prevention simultaneously. This coordinated care approach improves clinical outcomes, enhances patient engagement, and encourages more proactive management of diabetes across care settings.
Helpful strategies
- Pre-visit planning: Identify patients that need testing at the start of the year.
- Bundled lab orders and point-of-care execution where possible.
- Patient education: Explain testing and its importance.
- EMR support: Using flags in EMR to identify patients with open gaps.
- Care team collaboration