Table 3.
Unadjusted Performance Scores for 20 Most Frequently Triggered Quality Measures
| Quality Measure | N, Eligible Events | Mean Score for Indicator | Max | Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women age 18 and older should have a Pap smear every three years. | 328,703 | 80.8% | 1 | 0 |
| All average risk adults age 50 to 80 should receive at least one of the following colon cancer screening tests: FOBT (if not done in the past 2 years), sigmoidoscopy (if not done in the past 5 years), colonoscopy (if not done in the past 10 years), double contrast barium enema (if not done in the past 5 years). | 211,508 | 56.7% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients with diabetes should have a glycosylated hemoglobin test every 6 months. | 101,408 | 64.8% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients with diabetes should have a follow-up visit at least every 6 months. | 101,404 | 63.0% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients should not be taking any of the following medications for treatment of acute low back pain: dexamethasone, other oral steroids, colchicine, anti-depressants. | 58,351 | 93.2% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients in whom pharmacological therapy for hyperlipidemia has been initiated should have their total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL rechecked within 4 months. | 51,446 | 49.1% | 1 | 0 |
| Treatment with anti-microbials for uncomplicated lower tract infections in women under age 65 should not exceed 7 days. | 47,035 | 44.9% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients with diabetes should have total serum cholesterol and HDL cholesterol tests documented. | 42,248 | 91.9% | 1 | 0 |
| Skull x-rays should not be part of an evaluation for headache. | 41,993 | 99.7% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients on warfarin should have an INR checked a minimum of every three months. | 41,977 | 47.2% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients under age 75 with preexisting heart disease who are not on pharmacological therapy for hyperlipidemia should have total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL level tested at least every 5 years. | 40,552 | 92.7% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients with new onset headache that is severe should receive an imaging study (CT, MRI). | 37,763 | 25.1% | 1 | 0 |
| Treatment for bacterial vaginosis should be with metronidazaole (orally or vaginally) or clindamycin (orally or vaginally) at the time of diagnosis. | 29,844 | 20.3% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients with diabetes should have an annual eye and visual exam. | 29,300 | 36.1% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients receiving pharmacological therapy for hyperlipidemia who have had a dosage or medication change should have total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL rechecked within 4 months of the change. | 28,739 | 42.8% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients with diabetes should have an annual measurement of urine protein (annual) documented. | 23,158 | 49.1% | 1 | 0 |
| Patients without preexisting coronary disease who are started on pharmacological treatment for hyperlipidemia should have had at least 2 measurements of their cholesterol (total or LDL) in the year before the start of pharmacological treatment. | 16,910 | 42.1% | 1 | 0 |
| Persons treated for pneumonia should have follow-up contact with a provider within 6 weeks after discharge or diagnosis. | 13,088 | 70.3% | 1 | 0 |
| Anti-anxiety agents should not be prescribed as a sole agent for the treatment of depression. | 11,727 | 61.6% | 1 | 0 |
| The first prenatal visit should occur in the first trimester. | 11,240 | 85.7% | 1 | 0 |