Internet-based quality assurance registry for LDL apheresis QUASA--the apheresis registry

Quality assurance measures have been demanded in the execution of extracorporeal LDL apheresis therapy (LDL apheresis) by the NUB-guidelines of the national committee of physicians and health insurance. The measures apply to specialist, organizational and mechanical requirements for the execution and billing of this method of treatment. Furthermore, as a result of the legal requirements of the SGB V, complementary BUB-guidelines were introduced in 1999. These should prove the therapeutic benefit of an LDL apheresis treatment. Beyond assuring quality of performance, documentation of the treatment is explicitly demanded. For the past two years, the non-profit QUASA gGmbH has developed a quality assurance registry for LDL apheresis based on those requirements. Since March 2003, the apheresis physicians can voluntarily take part in this registry through the internet. Beside the patient's medical history, data relevant to the treatment are also recorded. Because of the analysis of the national clinical data it will be possible for the first time, for the medical profession to fulfill the guidelines and ensure the quality of LDL apheresis.