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HEDIS® Tip Sheet

Avoidance of Antibiotic Treatment for Acute Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis (AAB)

Measure Description

Percentage of episodes for Members 3 months of age and older with a diagnosis of acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis that did NOT result in the dispensing of antibiotics on or 3 days after the episode date.

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Measure Definitions

  • Intake Period: Captures eligible episodes of treatment for acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis between July 1 of the year prior to the measurement year to June 30 of the measurement year.
  • Episode Date: The date of service in any outpatient setting with a diagnosis of acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis.
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Notes

  • This measure is reported as an inverted rate, so a higher rate indicates appropriate acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis treatment.
    • Compliance for this measure includes events that did not result in an antibiotic being dispensed.
  • If a member has more than one eligible episode in a 31-day period, only the first eligible episode is included.
  • Determining eligibility for the measure includes members who had an outpatient visit, ED visit, telephone visit, or telehealth visit for a diagnosis of acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis.
  • The measure is based on episodes; therefore it is possible for the denominator to include multiple events for the same person. 
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Exclusions

  • Visits that result in an inpatient stay.
  • Members in hospice during the measurement year.
  • Members who died during the measurement year. 
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Best Practices

  • Realtime bedside education regarding use of antibiotics.
  • Consistent messaging regarding use of antibiotics.
  • Educate patients regarding the difference between bacterial vs. viral infections.
  • Self-care script pad for over-the-counter treatment for viral infections.
  • Choosing Wisely campaign.
  • Messaging in treatment rooms, website, and social media platforms.
  • Ongoing provider education.
  • Ensure to submit all relevant existing co-morbidity diagnosis codes.

Coding and Benefits Disclaimer

Providers and organizations must submit accurate and complete data in accordance with all billing, coding, and medical policy requirements. HEDIS guidance does not override official coding standards or guarantee reimbursement, as coverage is subject to applicable medical/coding policy and member-specific benefits.

Questions

Should you have specific coding or other questions related to the measure, please send your questions to BlueAlliance@bcbsnd.com.

NCQA Copyright Notice and Disclaimer
The HEDIS® measures and specifications were developed by and are owned by NCQA. The HEDIS measures and specifications are not clinical guidelines and do not establish a standard of medical care. NCQA makes no representations, warranties, or endorsement about the quality of any organization or physician that uses or reports performance measures and NCQA has no liability to anyone who relies on such measures and specifications. NCQA holds a copyright in these materials and can rescind or alter these materials at any time. These materials may not be modified by anyone other than NCQA. Use of the Rules for Allowable Adjustments of HEDIS to make permitted adjustments of the materials does not constitute a modification. Any commercial use and/or internal or external reproduction, distribution and publication must be approved by NCQA and are subject to a license at the discretion of NCQA. Any use of the materials to identify records or calculate measure results, for example, requires a custom license and may necessitate certification pursuant to NCQA’s Measure Certification Program. Reprinted with permission by NCQA. © [2025] NCQA, all rights reserved.

HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Updated 8/28/2026