A Massachusetts Surprise

Framingham Pediatrics in Massachusetts is one practice where there have been high expectations of families of patients, and they often have been met, according to the MHQP survey. Nancy Rosselot, MD, says the practice uses the MHQP data to evaluate their performance and progress. Each of the physician offices whose patients participated in the MHQP survey is provided with detailed information on its own scores, so they can compare themselves with their peers and use the data to focus on quality improvement efforts, the MHQP said.

"We've been pleased that patients feel good about their access to care," Rosselot says, referring to specific data findings related to Framingham Pediatrics. "There are small things that could be identified as needs for improvement. We as a team are working how we can improve coordination of care. We need to go that extra step. We're tracking patient calls and making appointments in a timely fashion."

After participating in the MHQP survey, Framingham Pediatrics established a new position -- medical home coordinator -- to improve coordination of care, Rosselot says. The new position has been especially important in tracking test results and working to ensure a coordinated relationship with patient specialists, she adds.

The improvements that Framingham Pediatrics is making reflect the "exhaustive work by some physicians to improve communication with patients," Rabson says.

As Massachusetts goes forward with its healthcare reform, there's more work to be done, and each step it takes is a lesson for the nation too, Rabson adds.