AOA: Revised AAO, ASCRS comanagement guidelines 'significant'

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery have released a joint paper outlining their positions on transferring care and comanagement.

“Comanagement is a relationship between an operating ophthalmologist and a non-operating practitioner for shared responsibility in the postoperative care when the patient consents to multiple providers, the services being performed are within the providers’ respective scope of practice and there is agreement between the providers to share patient care,” the paper stated. “Transfer of care occurs when there is complete transfer of responsibility for a patient’s care from one qualified health care provider operating within his/her scope of practice to another who also operates within his/her scope of practice.”

The paper detailed examples of when transfer of care or comanagement are appropriate, including inability to return to the ophthalmologist's office, ophthalmologist availability, change in postoperative course or by the patient's own request. Additionally, the paper specifies the list of criteria that must be met when a comanagement arrangement or transfer of care is made.

“The operating ophthalmologist should consult with qualified legal counsel and other consultants to ensure that his/her comanagement practices are consistent with federal and state law and best legal practices,” the paper said. “Above all, patients’ interests must never be compromised as a result of comanagement.”

In an update on its website, the American Optometric Association said that the shift in policy reflects "optometry's effectiveness in delivering this quality service."

"This is a very positive acknowledgement of what has become standard practice," Christopher J. Quinn, OD, AOA vice president, said in the update. "It's a reflection of the many years of successful patient care and good work that our members provide."

He continued: "This is something that we've been working toward for many years, and something that will serve patients very well going forward."

References:

American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Ophthalmic Postoperative Care. http://www.ascrs.org/sites/default/files/resources/ComanagementJointPositionPaperSept2015.pdf. Approved June 2015. Accessed September 21, 2015.

American Optometric Association. Significant policy change in postop comanagement. http://www.aoa.org/news/practice-management/significant-policy-change-in-post-op-co-management?sso=y. Posted September 15, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2015.