quality reports : Clinical Quality : Medical Group Performance


Quality Insights: Clinical Quality in Primary Care

Diabetes Care for Adults:
HbA1c Test

Healthcare quality measure: This measure looks at adult patients, age 18-75, who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It shows the percent of those patients who had at least one Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test during the past year.

Reasons for this measure: Diabetes is a serious disease. If it is not well controlled, it can lead to death or disabilities such as vision problems, kidney failure, or amputations of the foot or leg. Diabetes can also cause problems in a woman’s pregnancy. Almost 21 million adults in the United States have diabetes. However, an estimated three million Americans have diabetes which has not yet been diagnosed.

People with diabetes need to maintain near-normal (standard) blood sugar levels. This is measured by an HbA1c test, which people should have at least once a year. When blood sugar levels are under control, people with diabetes feel well and stay healthy for many years.

Click on a column heading to put the results below in order.
Medical Group
Comparison
Rate
Rating
Benchmarks:
   Nat'l Average
   90th Percentile
   MA Rate		 National Average
National 90th Percentile
MA Rate
89.0%
93.7%
93.0%		  
Atrius Health, Inc., Harvard Vanguard Kenmore
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94.4%

 above three benchmarksabove three benchmarksabove three benchmarksabove three benchmarks

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MA Rate (93.0%)

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Explanation of the Star Ratings...

  • above three benchmarksabove three benchmarksabove three benchmarksabove three benchmarks Four stars means the rate is above three benchmarks
  • above two benchmarksabove two benchmarksabove two benchmarksabove two benchmarks Three stars means the rate is above two benchmarks
  • above one benchmarkabove one benchmarkabove one benchmarkabove one benchmark Two stars means the rate is above one benchmark
  • not above benchmarksnot above benchmarksnot above benchmarksnot above benchmarks One star means the rate is not above benchmarks
  • no data available MHQP has too little data to report on this measure. This can happen when the patients or illnesses a medical group cares for are not part of this report.

The three benchmarks used for comparison are:

  • The MHQP Massachusetts Statewide Rate
  • The National 90th Percentile
  • The National Average

Click here to view the MHQP Massachusetts Statewide Rates
and National benchmarks.

For more information on benchmarks, please see Questions & Answers.

Ways your doctor can help...

  • Teach you about diabetes. This includes problems that can happen if your blood sugar levels get out of control.
  • Teach you ways to control blood sugar levels. This includes eating the right foods and being active each day.
  • Talk with you about complications (problems) and ways to notice them.
  • Ask you to have eye exams and other tests, which measure if your diabetes is under control.
  • As needed, refer you to a dietician, diabetes educator, or medical specialist who can help in your diabetes care.

Ways you can help...

  • Get a HbA1c test each year. This measures whether your diabetes is under control.
  • Make a diabetes plan with your doctor. This plan should include what foods to eat, how often to exercise, and when to have appointments.
  • Eat the foods you are supposed to eat. A healthy diet is one of the best ways you can control diabetes.
  • Be active each day. This might include taking walks, going to a gym, or doing other types of exercise.
  • Know that other diseases (such as high blood pressure) can make diabetes worse.
  • Go to the doctor at least once a year. Some people with diabetes see their doctors even more often, maybe once every 3 to 4 months. Make sure to keep all your appointments, even when you are feeling well.

Ways to learn more...

 

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