Depression Response at Six Months- Progress Towards Remission

Adult patients age 18 and older with major depression or dysthymia and an initial PHQ-9 score > 9 who demonstrate a response to treatment at six months defined as a PHQ-9 score that is reduced by 50% or greater from the initial PHQ-9 score. This measure applies to both patients with newly diagnosed and existing depression identified during the defined measurement period whose current PHQ-9 score indicates a need for treatment. This measure additionally promotes ongoing contact between the patient and provider as patients who do not have a follow-up PHQ-9 score at six months (+/- 30 days) are also included in the denominator.