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Integrated medical practices score better on quality measures

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 29, 2007

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Larger physician group practices more reliably deliver clinically recommended care than do independent practice associations, according to a December 2006 Annals of Internal Medicine study.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the Harvard School of Public Health examined data from 1.7 million patients cared for by 119 California physician groups that contracted with PacifiCare's HMO.

Researchers found that integrated medical practices did better on four of six quality measures than individual practice associations, based on the PacifiCare HMO's quality report card.

Specifically, the larger practices scored better on PacifiCare measures relating to rates of diabetic eye screening, mammography, Chlamydia screening and Pap smear screening.

While 73% of eligible large-practice patients received mammograms, for example, only 58% of IPA patients did. There was no difference, however, in the use of beta-blockers for patients or appropriate use of asthma medication.

Though 37% of the large medical groups in the study reported having electronic medical records systems compared with only 2% of IPAs, the study's authors said group size, not technology adoption, appeared to explain quality differences.

IPAs consist of smaller, individual physician groups who join forces for certain business functions.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/01/29/prbf0129.htm.

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