Quality Improvement Initiative
High quality health care is increasingly becoming an expectation of purchasers, policy makers and consumers. With public information on patient care in physicians' offices more readily available throughout the nation, and with quality indicators showing mostly incremental improvements, we are still more than 20 years away from optimal care. Now is the time to get ready for public reporting and pay for performance.
Ohio KePRO is committed to helping physicians deliver better care that is consistently safe, effective, efficient, timely, person-centered and equitable–the aims identified and endorsed by the Institute of Medicine. Ohio KePRO has launched a series of ambitious quality improvement initiatives to address these objectives. Our team will employ a variety of strategies and tactics during the next three years aimed at accelerating improvement in health care quality–something we're calling “transformational change.”
We plan to specifically focus on four areas as part of this push for improved quality:
- Assist physicians in selecting and utilizing information technology, including electronic medical records systems, to improve health care quality and efficiency. (Click here to learn more (link to DOQ-IT section) )
- Increase cultural competency by building on existing programs in physicians' offices, which will lead to more successful health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority patients. (click here to learn more (think cultural health section) )
- Work with physicians to create a more patient-centered care system. Particular emphasis will be placed on chronic conditions like diabetes, as well as preventive services such as cancer screening and adult immunizations.
- Improving prescription drug delivery and medication use. Beginning in August 2006, Ohio KePRO will help Medicare drug benefit plans and providers develop quality measures, adopt and implement e-prescribing, and develop projects for improved disease-specific therapy, better patient medication self-management, and improved prescribing—with a focus on avoidable drugs in the elderly, clinically important drug interactions, and generic prescribing ratios.
Many of these focus areas are not new to our traditional work with physicians. W e recognize that physicians share a vision of improved quality, and we also know that there are proven best practices out there that can help make this vision a reality.
With assistance from QIOs across the country, physicians have made some significant improvements in quality of care. Ohio KePRO looks forward to including Ohio's physicians in this exciting, ambitious journey toward t ransformational change.
To view more information, click on a topic in the picture below.
Chronic Care Model for the Physician Office Settings
(Based on Dr. Ed Wagner's Chronic Care Model)
Theme:
Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) providing support to the community, health system and patient, with emphasis on systems of care that improve the utilization and administration of preventive screening/testing to produce an informed, activated patient and a prepared, proactive practice.
Useful Links:
- 2005-06 Immunizers’ Question & Answer Guide to Medicare Coverage of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations
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CDC bulletin for Flu season 2005-2006
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Preventive Services - Educational Resource Web Guide - Billing to providers for benefits effective in 2005
Community Health Initiatives (CHI) supports CDC's National Campaign for appropriate antibiotic use
Improving Patient Care:
How Medical Practices Are Using New CAHPS Surveys For Ambulatory Settings
Most Beneficiaries Receive Some but Not All Recommended Preventive Services
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-958
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