The ongoing debate over health careReform misses an important truth: Americans receive better care today that they received 20 years ago.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance, (NCQA) is a key factor. This non-profit organization was established in 1990 to improve transparency and accountability in health care. Dr. Elliott Fisher, Director, Population Health and Policy, Dartmouth Institute, credits NCQA with reporting quality in the same manner across the country. This allows people to make informed decisions. “apples-to-apples comparison”When you are choosing health insurance plans.
NCQA has helped save thousands of lives and saved millions of dollars by making healthcare more transparent and accountable. It helps people get the care they need, and prevents waste. NCQA has made it possible for children to have their recommended immunizations three times easier than in 1997.
The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set is NCQA’s primary tool for improving healthcare. HEDIS shows how frequently insurers offer scientifically recommended treatments and tests to support more than 70 areas of health. One-hundred and twenty million Americans, or about 2 in 5, receive healthcare from health plans that are held accountable for regular reporting of HEDIS results. NCQA translates the results for consumers to use online at http://reportcard.ncqa.org/.
NCQA is also helping doctors’ offices to better serve patients. “patient-centered medical homes.”A “medical home”This is not a place but a way of organizing your care. It brings together technology and teamwork to transform the doctor-patient relationship. Instead of being a series or rushed visits, it is a partnership that will keep people healthy.
Medical homes coordinate patient care and allow patients to be in touch by phone or email between appointments.
Patients are happier and healthier, with fewer visits to the emergency room or hospital.
Are you fed up of being “patient”With doctors offices that require you to work around their schedules Look for a new one that has been awarded NCQA Recognition as an exemplary patient-centered medical home.
