Depression Response at Twelve Months, Progress Towards Remission

Adult patients age 18 and older with major depression or dysthymia and an initial PHQ-9 score > 9 who demonstrate a response to treatment at twelve months defined as a PHQ-9 score that is reduced by 50% or greater from the initial PHQ-9 score. This measure applies to both patients with newly diagnosed and existing depression identified during the defined measurement period whose current PHQ-9 score indicates a need for treatment.

Date Reviewed: April 27, 2015

Measure Info

NQF 1885 NQF Endorsed
Measure Type
Patient Reported Outcome
Measure Steward
Minnesota Community Measurement
Clinical Topic Area
Depression

Care Setting
Outpatient
Data Source
Electronic Health Records
Instrument-Based Data
Paper Medical Records

ACP does not support this measure. It is an unrealistic expectation for patients to achieve a 50% reduction rate from the initial PHQ- 9 score. It would be meaningful to re-evaluate this measure after receiving the evidence on well validated reduction rates.