Care Improves Across Minnesota; 2005 Health Care Quality Report Now Public
Posted on: Thursday, 10 November 2005, 09:00 CST
ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The quality of patient care in Minnesota is improving, according to a study released today by MN Community Measurement in its 2005 Health Care Quality Report. The report, a comprehensive review aimed at improving patient care in Minnesota, examined the quality of patient care at provider groups throughout Minnesota. Results from the report are public beginning today, online at http://www.mnhealthcare.org/ .
The results show the number of people with diabetes who are optimally managed (reaching all 5 heart- and artery-related risk treatment goals) increased by 33 percent from 12 percent in 2004 to 16 percent in 2005. That statistic translates into hundreds of fewer heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems and other complications for Minnesotans with diabetes.
"Care is steadily improving for many conditions and that's what this effort is all about," said Jim Chase, executive director of MN Community Measurement.
Other improvements include: Chronic Condition or Preventive Care Treatment 2003 2004 2005 Asthma Medication Management, ages 5 to 56 71% 74% 76% Childhood Immunization Status 63% 64% 68% Adolescent Immunization Status 27% 35% 39% Well Child Visits, birth to 15 months 45% 53% 59% High Blood pressure treatment 57% 60% 64% Chlamydia Infection Screening 26% 29% 32%
The findings for the 2005 Health Care Quality Report were gathered over the past year through an extensive review of data from 54 provider groups, representing more than 700 clinics throughout Minnesota and bordering counties. These clinics are where more than 90 percent of Minnesotans receive their care. The report focuses on determining how well patients who receive care in these provider groups met health screening or treatment guidelines recommended by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI).
"The 2005 Health Care Quality Report contains direct comparisons of provider group performance. It's designed to give feedback, set benchmarks and help prompt systematic changes to improve patient care in Minnesota," Chase said. "It shows provider groups where they are now and where system-wide changes are needed to improve patient care in the future."
Employers are interested in the report, too, and are encouraging their employees to use the information to learn more about their health care.
"It's open enrollment time for state employees and the state is encouraging its employees to use this information as they make health care decisions," said Cal Ludeman, Minnesota commissioner of employee relations and chair of the governor's health care cabinet. "I encourage all Minnesotans to use this groundbreaking information that is unique to our state."
Provider group results from the report, along with extensive information on managing these chronic conditions and preventive care screenings are online at mnhealthcare.org. The resource will allow people to review how patients in each provider group perform. Users will be able to select specific groups to compare, or compare results across the state.
"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 Chase. "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."
About MN Community Measurement
MN Community Measurement is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care in Minnesota. Founded by the state's health plans and the Minnesota Medical Association, MN Community Measurement is a broad-based community-wide collaborative that works with health plans, clinics, employers and consumers to prompt systematic change aimed at improving patient outcomes. 2005 Health Care Quality Report results are available at http://www.mnhealthcare.org/ .
On mnhealthcare.org -- Get a quick view of the 2005 results -- Find your clinic -- Compare results among 54 provider groups -- Sign up get the latest news -- Download a PDF of the complete report
MN Community Measurement
CONTACT: Jim Chase, +1-651-209-0390, *T12, or cell, +1-651-707-6468,chase@mnhealthcare.org , or Cynthia MacDonald, +1-651-209-0390, *T16,macdonald@mnhealthcare.org , both of MN Community Measurement
Web site: http://www.mnhealthcare.org/
Source: PRNewswire
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