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MVMA is involved in several programs to promote quality oriented appropriate care to MVP members. Due to the increasing threat of drug resistant bacteria, one of our initiatives is to promote judicious use of antibiotics. In the first year of our antibiotic initiative we had two goals - to decrease overall utilization of antibiotics, and to increase use of first line antibiotics as appropriate. We have seen a trend toward both of these goals that has continued over the past 2 years.
In conjunction with our initiatives to decrease antibiotic utilization overall, and increase use of first line therapy where appropriate, we are looking at the diagnosis of Acute Otitis Media. Published literature suggests that AOM is frequently over-diagnosed. In a review of our claims data, the diagnosis of AOM occurred as frequently as 85% of the time, and, in some cases, 95-100% of some providers’ claims for otitis indicated AOM. We recognize that in some cases this is probably a coding issue. Unfortunately, a misdiagnosis of AOM often leads to unnecessary antibiotic utilization. The link below will take you to an online interactive course in the diagnosis and treatment of Otitis Media. It is an excellent overview and we encourage you to take the time and review this program.
http://www.aap.org/otitismedia/www/vc/ear/index.cfm
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/antibiotic/antibiotic.htm
http://www.aap.org/policy/aomfinal/pdf
Copyright 2008
Mohawk Valley Medical Associates