For primary care practices, MHMC reports ratings on the following:

• Office systems, using standard office systems survey that query practices for use of systems known to improve quality and safety, such as use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), chronic disease registries, e-prescribing, and nurse care management.
• Clinical outcomes – Adults: PTE recognizes excellence for delivery of chronic care, such as diabetes, and cardiovascular clinical outcomes, using national recognition programs such as the Bridges to Excellence (BTE) and National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) physician recognition programs.  We will also be adding recognition for other clinical recognition programs from BTE or NCQA as they are developed. 
  • Links to BTE and NCQA
• Clinical outcomes – Pediatrics: PTE recognizes excellence for delivery of chronic care for children, including asthma, and for delivery of preventive services, such as immunizations.

The PTE program historically has recognized PCP practices for excellence in care using green and blue ribbons.  The PTE program is now transitioning to use word descriptions – i.e. “Good, Better, and Best” to describe various levels of recognition.  Download PTE FAQs.

In addition, PTE is seeking to share additional practice-specific information that consumers have indicated is important to them, such as whether the practice is open to accepting new patients, and whether practices offer evening and weekend hours.

Coming Soon...
Starting in 2012, MHMC will also be recognizing comprehensive excellence in primary care, or “advanced primary care”, using a combination of performance measurements in the areas outlined above.