Quality in Otolaryngology: History, the Current State, and Possible Future Developments

To help clinicians gain an understanding of quality improvement (QI) and value-based care (VBC) in healthcare, with a specific emphasis on otolaryngology. This review also attempts to examine the future landscape of QI and VBC, and emphasize the need for active physician participation.

Many efforts are underway to help define quality otolaryngologic care including otolaryngology-specific reporting measures, clinical practice guidelines, and a large, specialty-specific patient database (Reg-ent). Certain subspecialties (facial plastics and laryngology) and populations are underrepresented in the current literature.

QI and VBC will become increasingly important as more alternative payment models (APMs) are investigated and implemented by governmental and commercial payors. Physician participation will be integral in ensuring appropriateness of these APMs, specifically with regard to defining quality care and optimizing value for patients.