Stephen E. Asche, MA

Patients with abdominal or back pain identified 21 outcomes important to them, but the reported outcomes are quite different from the symptom and function outcomes studied by researchers.

From 2005 to 2009, improved clinical practice systems were associated with cost reductions only for medically complex patients.

Patients who often change medical groups have the highest healthcare costs. The improved coordination of an accountable care organization may reduce those costs.

Reporting physician group performance in addition to health plan performance may stimulate greater improvement in diabetes care.

Integrated care systems allegedly provide better care. This study of 97 large medical groups nationally provides suggestive evidence that this may be true.

Adults 20 years or older were surveyed regarding advance directives (ADs); one third had completed an AD. Subjects were comfortable with provider initiation of the topic.

The Physician Practice Connections-Readiness Survey can identify practice systems that are associated with higher rates of quality diabetes care.