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

EP: 1.Addressing Barriers to Health Equity: The Role of Timely Diagnosis and Health Literacy in Managing Diabetic Eye Disease

EP: 2.Challenges in Diabetes Therapy Adherence: Impact on Early Intervention and Long-Term Visual Outcomes

EP: 3.Improving Patient Adherence in Diabetic Macular Edema Eye Care

EP: 4.Impact of Step Therapy and Prior Authorization Requirements in Ophthalmology Practice

EP: 5.Physician Advocacy for Patient Access: Navigating Medication Authorization Challenges

EP: 6.Diversity and Inclusion in Ophthalmology Clinical Trials: Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust

EP: 7.Community Engagement and Long-Term Commitment: Fostering Trust and Collaboration in Clinical Trials for Ophthalmology

EP: 8.Addressing Differences in Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Diabetes: The Role of Community Engagement

EP: 9.Promoting Equitable Patient Care: A Call for Self-Reflection and Awareness Among Providers

EP: 10.DME Disparities: Socioeconomic Impact and Health Equity

EP: 11.Provider Roles and Collaborative Efforts for DME Disparities

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EP: 12.Closing Gaps in DME Care: Harnessing the Power of Comprehensive Data Strategies

EP: 13.Ensuring Equitable Patient Care in DME: Unconscious Bias Training and SDOH Screening

EP: 14.Collaborations and Inclusivity for Equitable DME Care

EP: 15.Building An Equitable Future: Strategies for DME Advocacy

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.