MANAGED CARE October 1998. ©1998 Stezzi Communications
Washington Initiatives
Medicare beneficiaries may soon receive more information about the effectiveness of the health plans they're enrolled in — or are considering joining.
HCFA has proposed guidelines for a Health Plan Management System, based in part on the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set, or HEDIS. Health plans would be required to collect information on several indicators, including frequency of certain procedures, effectiveness of care, member satisfaction and functional status of members. Theoretically, plans would use the data to improve care processes and to implement new quality-related programs and policies.
The agency was preparing to implement the guidelines soon after the comment period ended late last month.