Abstract
The objective of this observational study was to determine whether providing physicians with a roster and tracking tool improves fulfillment of nationally recognized American Diabetes Association guidelines for their patients with diabetes. Administrative data were used to identify all members in a health maintenance organization (HMO) over 20 years of age with a diagnosis of diabetes, excluding gestational diabetes. Using Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS®; National Committee for Quality Assurance) data, the patients of the intervention group were compared with a group of patients whose physicians did not receive a roster and tracking tool. Measures that were evaluated were: glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing, HbA1c control, dilated retinal exam, lipid profile, lipid control, and nephropathy screen. The intervention group showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) as compared with the non-intervention group in all measures except dilated retinal exams. This study shows how an HMO can use its database to provide physicians with a roster and tracking tool to improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines for diabetes.
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