quality reports : Clinical Quality : Medical Group Performance


Quality Insights: Clinical Quality in Primary Care

Depression:
Long-term Medication

Healthcare quality measure: This measure looks at patients aged 18 or older who had a new episode of depression and were prescribed medication. It shows the percent of those patients who filled the prescription and received at least a 6-month supply of their medication.

Reasons for this measure: More than 36 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with depression (major depressive disorder) at some time in their lives. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. People with depression often have trouble doing daily activities. Medications can help, and it is important that patients with depression stay on medication for at least six months to be sure their symptoms have greatly lessened or disappeared. Taking medication for less than six months is not long enough to fully recover from depression.

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
46.3%
55.7%
50.9%		  
Atrius Health, Inc., Harvard Vanguard Kenmore
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65.0%

 above three benchmarksabove three benchmarksabove three benchmarksabove three benchmarks

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MA Rate (50.9%)

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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 depression. This includes warning signs, symptoms, and what to do when you feel depressed.
  • Talk with you about treatment options, including medication and talk therapy (meeting with a therapist).
  • Prescribe long-term medication (drugs you need to take for months or years) for your depression.
  • Meet with you from time to time to check if the medication is working the way it should. If there are any problems, your doctor may change the amount of medicine or prescribe a different medication.
  • As needed, refer you to a psychiatrist (doctor who specializes in mental health).

Ways you can help...

  • Talk with your doctor about treatment options. These can include talk therapy, medication, or both.
  • Take your medication the way you doctor prescribes. Learn how much to take, how often to take it, and when it will take effect.
  • Let your doctor know if you have any medication problems or side effects. If so, your doctor may change the amount you take or try a different medication.
  • Exercise and be active each day. For instance, you might want to take a walk, clean your house, work in your garden, or go to the gym.
  • Get the treatment you need. It can be hard to ask for help and keep appointments when you feel depressed. Make a plan and, if needed, ask others to help you get the treatment you need.

Ways to learn more...

 

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