From 1999 to 2009, ambulatory healthcare providers increased the use of several underused quality-related services, but made little progress in decreasing the use of overused services, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, formerly Archives of Internal Medicine.
Researchers analyzed the 1999 and 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the outpatient department component of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. They looked at 22 quality indicators for underuse, overuse and misuse of services.
Results showed improvement in six of nine underused quality indicators, including increased use of aspirin, beta blockers and statins in coronary artery disease. In addition, there was a decrease in one of the two misuse indicators — the proportion of patients with a urinary tract infection who were prescribed an inappropriate antibiotic.
However, only two of 11 overused quality indicators showed improvements. Of the remaining nine, one showed increased overuse and eight showed no change. The overuse of cervical cancer screening for women older than 65 years and the overuse of antibiotics in asthma exacerbations decreased. There was an increase in the overuse of prostate cancer screening in men older than 74 years.
AHA to CMS: Insurance Exchange Quality Measures Should Align With Those in Current Federal Programs
CMS: Are Hospitals Ready to Report Quality Data Through EHRs?
Researchers analyzed the 1999 and 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the outpatient department component of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. They looked at 22 quality indicators for underuse, overuse and misuse of services.
Results showed improvement in six of nine underused quality indicators, including increased use of aspirin, beta blockers and statins in coronary artery disease. In addition, there was a decrease in one of the two misuse indicators — the proportion of patients with a urinary tract infection who were prescribed an inappropriate antibiotic.
However, only two of 11 overused quality indicators showed improvements. Of the remaining nine, one showed increased overuse and eight showed no change. The overuse of cervical cancer screening for women older than 65 years and the overuse of antibiotics in asthma exacerbations decreased. There was an increase in the overuse of prostate cancer screening in men older than 74 years.
More Articles on Healthcare Quality:
6-Step Roadmap to Reduce Disparities in Healthcare From RWJFAHA to CMS: Insurance Exchange Quality Measures Should Align With Those in Current Federal Programs
CMS: Are Hospitals Ready to Report Quality Data Through EHRs?
