This measure is for use in the 2019 scorecard. It has been replaced for 2020 with the Persistent Asthma - Asthma Controller Medication measure.



DenominatorPersistent Asthma patients that meet one of the following during both the measurement year and the year prior:
  • 1 ED visit with primary diagnosis of asthma
  • 1 acute inpatient encounter with primary diagnosis of asthma
  • 4 outpatient encounters with primary diagnosis of asthma and at least two asthma medication dispensing events during the year, OR
  • at least 4 medication dispensing events during the year


NOTE: This is the HEDIS 2019 definition of persistent asthma and the exclusion for all the Asthma measures.

NumeratorReceived cessation counseling or cessation medication within 24 months. (MSSP 2019)
Exclusion/ExceptionDocumentation of medical reason(s) for not screening for tobacco use OR for not providing tobacco cessation intervention for patients identified as tobacco users (eg, limited life expectancy, other medical reason)