quality reports : Clinical Quality : Medical Group Performance


Quality Insights: Clinical Quality in Primary Care

Asthma Care:
Medications for Children (Ages 5 to 17)

Healthcare quality measure: This measure looks at pediatric patients, age 5-17, who had asthma. It shows the percent of those patients who filled prescriptions for medication that controls this disease when taken over the long term (months or years).

Reasons for this measure: Almost nine million children in the United States have asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic (long-term) disease in children. This is a very serious disease that can lead to many problems. For instance, asthma is one of the most common reasons why children miss school. Taking the right medication can help to control asthma.

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
95.0%
97.5%
96.3%		  
Atrius Health, Inc., Harvard Vanguard Kenmore
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94.2%

 not above benchmarksnot above benchmarksnot above benchmarksnot above benchmarks

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MA Rate (96.3%)

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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...

  • Test how mild or severe your child’s asthma is.
  • Teach you and your child about asthma triggers (causes of asthma attacks).
  • May prescribe one or more asthma medications. These can be drugs to treat asthma attacks, provide long-term control, or both. Medication to treat attacks is taken only when needed. Medication for long-term control is taken every day.
  • Write an “asthma action plan.” This includes a list of asthma triggers, medications to control asthma, and ways to treat an asthma attack.
  • Talk with you and your child about smoking, second-hand smoke, and other factors that affect asthma.

Ways you can help...

  • Learn about asthma. Find out what triggers asthma attacks and learn ways to keep your child healthy.
  • Notice asthma attack symptoms. These symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
  • Talk with your child’s doctor about medication and other asthma treatments.
  • Meet regularly with your child’s doctor. This may be once every 1 to 6 months, depending on how serious your child’s asthma is and how well it is controlled. It is important to keep all appointments as your child’s symptoms can change over time.
  • Make sure your child takes all of his or her asthma medications, just as the doctor prescribed. This includes taking medication even when the child feels well.
  • Teach others about your child’s asthma and what to do if he or she needs help. Share copies of the asthma action plan with your child’s school nurse, teachers, coaches, family members, and other caregivers.

Ways to learn more...

 

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