As stated in the measure guidance section for the DMS and DRR measures, include encounters where a diagnosis of major depression or dysthymia was addressed. The intent is to use encounters that are associated with managing depression to identify members in the Initial Population and to identify encounters to be included in the denominator calculation for Rate 2. In the HEDIS 2017 October Update, the Depression Encounter Value Set was renamed Interactive Outpatient Encounter Value Set, to clarify that it identifies outpatient encounters that can take place in a variety of settings. These encounters must be associated with a diagnosis of major depression or dysthymia in order to meet the intent of the measures.
HEDIS 2017