March 2018

Patient ratings of plans and care were lower among beneficiaries filing complaints or reporting denied care. Appeals did not further predict ratings, but successful complaint resolution did.

Hospitalization is costly and associated with the potential for adverse medical events. Hospitalists are uniquely positioned to help avoid unnecessary emergency department admissions through consultation.

Health insurance plan type may be an important lever for reducing low-value healthcare use among patients with commercial insurance.

Using statewide quality data for medical home–eligible clinics, we tested asthma education as a clinical mechanism whereby medical homes achieve better asthma outcomes.

This study demonstrated that a false-positive mammogram was associated with increases in outpatient visits, but not provider referrals, for 1 year post mammogram.

Allowing the appropriateness of services to play a more meaningful role in the design of physician and patient incentives may improve the value of care.

A cancer therapy stewardship program can be used to improve clinical quality and patient care by emphasizing the importance of value and evidence in oncology.

Overview of alternative payment models and how leading national organizations are involved with linking quality improvement initiatives and payment reform.

Opioid use incidence and prevalence rates decreased with implementation of an opioid safety initiative, whereas nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug rates remained constant. Rates of adverse events were higher among opioid users.

Patients often self-refer to the emergency department (ED) for management of an ambulatory care–sensitive condition, and the ED may be the most appropriate care location.