New HEDIS Quality Measurement for Asthma Visits

Beginning with HEDIS Measurement Year 2026, the Asthma Medication Ratio (AMR) measure has been retired and replaced with a new measure: Follow‑Up After Acute and Urgent Care Visits for Asthma (AAF‑E). This change reflects updated clinical guidelines, real‑world asthma management practices, and a growing emphasis on care continuity after asthma exacerbations.

AAF‑E looks at the percentage of patients ages 5–64 who:¹

• Have an emergency department (ED) visit, urgent care visit, observation stay, or acute inpatient discharge,
• With a diagnosis of asthma,
• And then have an outpatient follow‑up visit for asthma within 30 days.

To meet requirements, the follow‑up visit must:

• Occur within 30 days of the acute asthma visit or discharge.
• Be an outpatient visit (e.g., primary care, pulmonology, allergy).
• Include a diagnosis of asthma.

Telehealth visits count if they meet the criteria above.

Tips for Providers

1. Schedule follow‑up early. Whenever possible, schedule the follow‑up appointment before ED or hospital discharge. Aim for visits within 7–14 days, even though the measure allows up to 30 days.
2. Use Telehealth strategically. Telehealth visits can be an effective way to ensure timely follow‑up when in‑person access is limited.
3. Code asthma diagnoses clearly. Ensure the follow‑up visit includes an asthma diagnosis code.
4. Improve asthma control. Review symptoms, triggers, and medication use; confirm inhaler technique; and update or provide an asthma action plan.

References

1. National Committee for Quality Assurance. (2025). HEDIS® Measurement Year 2025, Volume 2: Technical specifications for health plans — Follow‑Up After Acute and Urgent Care Visits for Asthma (AAF‑E). NCQA.

Contact a Select Health Quality Consultant:

Sarah Olsen, RN  (sarah.olsen@selecthealth.org)