COPD
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Despite clinical practice guidelines endorsed by national organizations, the management of COPD deviates from guideline recommendations. Patients with COPD are frequently underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed, due in large part to the lack of spirometry testing. ⋯ System factors such as insurance coverage may limit aspects of COPD care. To overcome clinical inertia, a multifaceted approach is required. Provider and patient education, the use of health informatics, changes in provider work-flow and the recent development of performance measures, such as the use of spirometry in patients with COPD, can improve the delivery of recommended care for COPD patients.