Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) are developed, modified, and/or endorsed by UUHS using an evidence-based process as specified by CMS in the CY 2016 Physician Fee Schedule rules. In order to ensure that evidence reviews are performed systematically and reproducibly, the process of identifying, obtaining, and rating the evidence for the development of specified AUC is performed by evidence procurement teams who work closely with VDI committee. The evidence procurement team consists of at least one person from library of science and information management at UUHS. The evidence procurement team performs a systematic review of literature with attention to evaluating the analytical validity, clinical validity, and clinical utility of the relevant advanced imaging tests.
The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) - Levels of Evidence is used to assess and grade the level of evidence. In addition, relevant published evidence-based guidelines and consensus statements by professional societies are included as part of the evidence assessment. Evidence based guidelines are evaluated for quality according to the 2013 revised National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) Inclusions Criteria.
Although the VDI committee has developed and modified its own AUC in priority clinical areas outlined by the CMS, AUC specified by other qualified PLE and publicly available AUC are incorporated into the AUC evidentiary review process.
Upon completion of the evidence review process, the AUC and strength of supporting evidence is published on this public website.