Rural Relevant Quality Measures for Critical Access Hospitals |
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| Authors: | Michelle M. Casey MS Ira Moscovice PhD Jill Klingner RN PhD Shailendra Prasad MBBS MPH |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Rural Health Research Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota;2. Labovitz School of Business and Economics, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota;3. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
Purpose: To identify current and future relevant quality measures for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Methods: Three criteria (patient volume, internal usefulness for quality improvement, and external usefulness for public reporting and payment reform) were used to analyze quality measures for their relevance for CAHs. A 6‐member panel with expertise in rural hospital quality measurement and improvement provided input regarding the final measure selection. Findings: The relevant quality measures for CAHs include measures that are ready for reporting now and measures that need specifications to be finalized and/or a data reporting mechanism to be established. They include inpatient measures for specific medical conditions, global measures that address appropriate care across multiple medical conditions, and Emergency Department measures. Conclusions: All CAHs should publicly report on relevant quality measures. Acceptance of a single consolidated set of quality measures with common specifications for CAHs by all entities involved in regulation, accreditation, and payment; a phased process to implement the relevant measures; and the provision of technical assistance would help CAHs meet the challenge of reporting. |
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| Keywords: | hospitals Medicare quality rural |
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