I referred “Specific Occurrences between Populations” section in https://ecqi.healthit.gov/system/files/qdm_4_3_508_compliant.pdf. I just wanted to confirm whether I understood the difference between Denominator Exclusion and Denominator Exception.

Consider a hypothetical measure where tobacco cessation counselling meets the numerator criteria for the measure. Following is what I understand from the definition.

• Denominator Exclusion – pregnant patient: If the patient is pregnant, the patient will not be included in the denominator.
• Denominator Exception – pregnant patient: If the patient is not given counselling and the patient is pregnant, exclude the patient from numerator and denominator. If the patient is given counselling (though pregnant), include the patient in the denominator and numerator.

Is it correct understanding? If not, could you please clarify with this example?