Measurement and Transparency Measuring clinic performance leads to improvements in health outcomes for patients and changes to care processes. The MMA encourages Minnesota physicians to embrace measurement and its potential to move the health care system towards high-quality, high-value care. Nationally, as well as in Minnesota, there are several efforts to identify, use and report on quality indicators.

MN Community Measurement MN Community Measurement produces an annual report about medical group performance based on administrative data, direct data submission, and medical record abstracts. The MMA, the Minnesota Hospital Association, and health plans sponsor MN Community Measurement.

Minnesota's Statewide Quality Reporting Initiative In 2008, Minnesota health care reform legislation mandated that physician clinics report on the quality of their care. The MMA, in collaboration with MN Community Measurement, Stratis Health, and the Minnesota Department of Health is educating physicians about the program.

Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) The MMA is a member of the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI), formed by the AMA to develop quality indicators “by physicians, for physicians.”

National Quality Forum (NQF) The National Quality Forum is a nonprofit organization tasked with setting national priorities for performance improvement; endorsing measurement and reporting standards; and promoting education and outreach programs.

National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC) The National Quality Measures Clearinghouse is a public resource for evidence-based quality measures.

WhyNotTheBest.org WhyNotTheBest.org is a free resource for health care professionals interested in tracking performance on various measures of health care quality. It enables organizations to compare their performance against peers and against a range of benchmarks.

For more information, contact Rebecca Schierman at 612/362-3766.