MHA looking for member input by May 5

On April 28, the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) took part in the first of a series of meetings to discuss key issues regarding the analysis of cost and quality measures for physicians and hospitals as part of the Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) Provider Peer Grouping project. The first topic relates to the pros and cons of two different methods designed to describe the cost of care for chronic illnesses (see memo: PDF).

The purpose of the Provider Peer Grouping project, which is part of the state health reform legislation passed in 2008, is to categorize hospitals and physicians based both on quality and cost. In addition to being measured on the total cost of care, providers will also be measured for the cost of treating specific conditions and illnesses including diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, asthma, pneumonia and total knee replacement.

Because MDH is working against a tight timeline set by statute, the department is forming a "rapid response team" comprising representatives of stakeholders interested in ensuring that the measures to "rank" physicians and hospitals are fair and accurate. Participants will include representatives from health care advocacy groups, health plans, consumers and employers.

The group is tasked with obtaining input from their constituents and responding to MDH on particular issues within four business days. MHA has identified a group of individuals within its membership who have expertise in this area and who have agreed to provide quick reactions as such issues arise. MHA will also make information about the issues discussed available to the general membership for its reaction.

Input on the first issue is due at 10 a.m. May 6. Therefore, any MHA members who would like to comment on the methodology described in the MDH memo referred to above are asked to contact Mark Sonneborn, MHA vice president of information services, at (651) 659-1423, by May 5.