A primary care practice reviews data and finds that 42% of patients with hypertension have no documented out-of-office blood pressure readings before

Question

A primary care practice reviews data and finds that 42% of patients with hypertension have no documented out-of-office blood pressure readings before medication initiation. Several patients were started on therapy after a single high office reading. The team wants to improve diagnostic accuracy while reducing overtreatment. Which of the following is the most appropriate quality improvement measure?

Accepted Answer

Create an electronic prompt for validated home or ambulatory readings before diagnosis

Answer

Remove blood pressure measurement from rooming workflow

Answer

Audit prescriptions without changing diagnostic workflow

Answer

Refer every patient with elevated readings to nephrology

Answer

Treat each initial elevated office reading immediately

Hypertension control — USMLE Step 3 MCQ