ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- MN Community Measurement today announced the findings of its 2004 Health Care Quality Report, a comprehensive study aimed at improving patient care in Minnesota. The report examined the quality of patient care at provider groups throughout Minnesota. Results from the report as well as additional health care information is public beginning Nov. 10, 2004, online at http://www.mnhealthcare.org/ .
The findings for the 2004 Health Care Quality Report were gathered over the past year through an extensive review of data from 52 provider groups, representing more than 700 clinics throughout Minnesota. The study focuses on determining how well patients in these provider groups met health screening or treatment goals recommended by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) in the following condition and screening areas:
-- Overall diabetes care -- Asthma medication use -- Depression medication use -- Shots for children & teens -- Well baby visits -- Controlling high blood pressure -- Breast & cervical cancer screening -- Chlamydia screening
“This is the most important health care initiative that Minnesota has ever seen. Never before has so much useful data been made available to provider groups and patients alike,” said Gail Amundson, M.D., co-chair of the initiative and internist at HealthPartners clinic in Maplewood. “This information has already triggered system-wide changes and better patient care is the result.”
Provider group results from the report, along with extensive information on managing these chronic conditions and preventive care screenings, are available starting today online at mnhealthcare.org. The resource will allow people to review, by condition, how patients in each provider group perform. It also provides individuals:
-- Links to trustworthy medical resources -- Tips on managing health topics -- Conversations with experts -- Checklists for physician visits and other tips for working with physicians to improve care
“Minnesotans already enjoy the benefits of having some of the best health care available in the country -- top providers, internationally renowned research centers and tremendous community-based clinics,” said Jim Chase, executive director, MN Community Measurement. “Yet even in Minnesota, we have room to improve. Giving consumers additional information on how to better care for themselves, and how to work more closely with their doctors, will lead to higher quality patient care for all Minnesotans.”
The release of the 2004 Health Care Quality Report results mark the first time in Minnesota that the public will have access to quality care data from provider groups. Prior to this, Minnesota’s health plans have undertaken their own independent reviews of quality care, leaving provider groups with data that was neither comparable nor useful for making systematic improvements in care.
About MN Community Measurement
MN Community Measurement is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care in Minnesota. Based in St. Paul, Minn., MN Community Measurement works with health plans, clinics, employers and consumers throughout Minnesota. Information is available at mnhealthcare.org.
MN Community Measurement
CONTACT: Eileen Smith, MN Community Measurement, MN Council of HealthPlans, +1-651-645-0099, ext. 11; Pete Stoddart, The Garrity Group,+1-651-292-8900, ext. 223
Web site: http://www.mnhealthcare.org/