Current MS disability scale scorE

Notice of Modification

The multiple sclerosis (MS) measurement set was reaffirmed in 2017. The specification for the current MS disability scale score measure was modified in January 2018 for implementation in the Axon Registry®. The specifications below reflect the modification made to reflect the CMS’ requirement a follow-up action occurs after a score was recorded. No other changes were made to the measurement set, and changes were made solely for registry implementation.

Measure Purpose: Ensure appropriate follow-up after disability scale scores are reviewed for patients with MS.

The numerator: who have a MS disability scale score* documented in the medical record and had appropriate follow up

*See full specifications for additional details

is divided by

The denominator: all patients with a diagnosis of MS.

Exclusions are removed from the denominator for:

Patients who decline to self-report and decline neurological examination
Patients who are unable to participate in neurological examination

Key Phrases

Examples of key phrases you could document to meet the measure:

Assessment

At least 2 measures of MS Functional Composite Score [followed by numerical score]
MS Rating Scale, Revised (MSRS-R) Scale Score [followed by numerical score]

*Documentation of numerical scale score is not required but highly recommended.

Follow up

Recommendation of physical therapy
Treatment plan updated

Measure Calculation Example

Dr. Rodriguez sees 100 patients between January 1 and December 31 that were diagnosed with MS. This is the denominator.

Ten patients were unable to participate in a neurological exam due to neurodevelopmental disorders, profound psychosis, advanced dementia, or brain injury encephalopathy. Three patients declined to participate in the neurological exam. These 13 patients (10+3) are removed from the denominator as exclusions.

Of the 87 remaining patients, 51 had disability scale score recorded. Of these 51, 33 patients had appropriate follow-up documented. The numerator is 33.

Quality of patient care = (51-18)/(100-13). Dr. Rodriguez has a score of 37.9% for this measure.