Office Record Review
What is the Office Record Review?
The ORR is an online self-review of clinical practice in which a diplomate
reviews 15 of his/her current patient charts. The ORR consists of over 35
ophthalmic diagnoses with specific criteria (ORR modules), for example: Myopia:
a new adult patient who presents with myopia, seen by you at least once in the
past 12 months.
ORR module content encompasses practice patterns related to the specific
diagnosis. Self-review of patient charts via ORR modules is meant to assess the
quality of practice through verification of the documentation of appropriate
measurements, diagnosis, management, treatment, and follow-up.
Will someone from the ABO review my patient charts? OR Do I need to send
the ABO copies of the patient records I will use in the ORR process?
NO. You will review the 15 patient records you select for review in your own
home or office according to the ORR modules. The ABO requires some basic,
non-identifying information about the patient records to be used, including year
of birth, initial visit date and most recent visit date. The online ORR program
will guide users through entering the required information. Once the patient
information is entered, you will be prompted to start the ORR.
The entire record for each patient is necessary to complete the online ORR
modules.
What do I do if I currently do not practice Ophthalmology or I am in the
process of relocating?
It is important for diplomates to be well informed about the ORR process, in
order to anticipate any difficulties or unforeseen events they might encounter.
In order to register for and complete the ORR, you must select and utilize
patient charts from the past 12 to 36 months. Therefore, diplomates who may not,
for any reason, have access to 15 appropriate patient records will not be able
to complete the ORR process. The ABO will not recertify those who do not
currently practice Ophthalmology. However, for those anticipating a relocation
or brief leave of absence, the ABO recommends being aware of what is required
for the office record review in order to anticipate any unforeseen difficulties.
What if my practice is 100 percent specialty, and I am having trouble
meeting the five patient requirement for the three modules?
The ABO is aware of the need for a pool of modules that encompasses subspecialty
areas and will add appropriate modules as the process continues. However,
certificate renewal by the American Board of Ophthalmology implies some
knowledge of comprehensive Ophthalmology; therefore even though a
diplomate's practice is limited to one or two disease entities, that
diplomate must meet this requirement.
Can I substitute different patient records after I have registered for the
ORR?
No. It is imperative that you select patient records that meet the module
definition and timeframe requirements. You must use the records you submit at
the time of registration to complete the corresponding ORR modules.
Substitutions are not permitted after registration.
How long do I have to complete the ORR?
The ORR must be completed within 30 days of starting the actual review of
patient charts. The start date of the 30-day window is the day when you finish
submitting the required information on all 15 charts you will review. Once
started, you can access and re-access the ORR during the 30-day timeframe. You
must use the patient charts submitted during registration, no substitutions are
allowed.
