If the measure has a value of "NA," it indicates that data are suppressed due to small sample size
A higher rate is better because it means more of the practice's patients were prescribed the medications they needed
The score is based on the percentage of these patients who were prescribed medicine to improve the pumping action of the heart.
Medicare looked at patients with heart disease who also have diabetes or a weakened left ventricle
These types of medication help lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood
an ACE inhibitor or ARB drug. ("ACE" means "Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme" and "ARB" means "Angiotensin Receptor Blocker")
(the left ventricle) is not pumping well, treatment recommendations say that doctors should prescribe
If patients with heart disease also have diabetes or if the main pumping chamber of their heart
Higher rates are better because it means more of the practice's patients did not use tobacco
who did not use tobacco
To give the group practice its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients with diabetesi
Doctors should screen all patients with diabetes to see if they use tobacco
and using tobacco makes these risks even higher
People with diabetes already have a higher risk of developing other health problems (like heart disease and stroke)
A higher rate is better because it means more of the practice's patients were prescribed the medication when needed and appropriate
and heart disease who were prescribed aspirin OR who had a medical reason why they should not take aspirin
To give the group practice its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients with both diabetes
(Aspirin may not be safe for everyone -- it's best to ask your healthcare professional if you should take aspirin)
to determine if they should take aspirin on a daily basis to reduce the risk of other heart problems
Doctors should work with patients who have been diagnosed with both diabetes and heart disease
People who have both diabetes and heart disease have a higher risk of developing other heart problems
Higher rates are better because it means more of the practice's patients had blood pressure at a healthy level
who had a healthy blood pressure level (less than 140 over 90)
To give the group practice its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients with diabetes
If needed, doctors should work with patients to bring their blood pressure down to a healthier level
including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss
For people with diabetes, keeping blood pressure at a healthy level helps prevent complications
A higher rate means more of the practice's patients had their blood sugar under control
with diabetes who had well-controlled blood sugar levels (less than 8% on their most recent A1c lab test)
To give the group practice its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients
and should work with patients with high levels to bring their blood sugar under control
Doctors should use the A1c lab test to check patients' blood sugar levels
it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease
If patients with diabetes have blood sugar levels that stay too high,
to use electronic prescribing to improve communication, increase accuracy, and reduce errors
- a pay-for-reporting program that encourages physicians and other healthcare professionals
Group practice participates in the Medicare Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program
Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS)
Medicare Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive program
PECOS stands for Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
PAC stands for PECOS Associate Control (PAC)
State with all or a majority of the group practice's locations
Unique Group Practice ID assigned by PECOS to the Group Practice
Name of the Group Practice, as it appears on Physician Compare
Legal Business Name (LBN)
CMS Certification Number (CCN)
Group Practice Reporting Option (GRPO)
Accountable Care Organization (ACO)
by Jean Roth , jroth@nber.org , 24 Jun 2014