TABLE 1.
Network adequacy expert panel ratings
| Results from network adequacy expert panel | ||
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Importance mean rating (range) | Feasibility mean rating (range) |
| 1. Quantitative standards for network adequacy | ||
| 1.1 Minimum ratios of providers to enrolled population standards a | 4.16 (3‐5) | 3.60 (3‐5) |
| 1.2 Maximum time or distance for enrollees to travel to providers a | 4.00 (3‐5) | 3.50 (3‐4) |
| 1.3 Maximum wait times to secure an appointment | 3.86 (2‐5) | 3.00 (2‐4) |
| 1.4 Quantitative time and distance standards that mirror CMS (eg, Medicare Advantage) standards | 4.00 (3‐5) | 4.00 (3‐5) |
| 1.5 Prioritization of maximum wait times over time and distance standards | 2.80 (1‐4) | 3.00 (2‐4) |
| 2. Assessing network adequacy using qualitative measures | ||
| 2.1 Qualitative standards (eg, “sufficient” numbers and types of providers) should be available as a means for sites to demonstrate network adequacy compliance a | 4.17 (2‐5) | 3.80 (2‐5) |
| 3. Consumer (Veteran) protections | ||
| 3.1 Developing network directories for Veterans a | 4.71 (4‐5) | 2.75 (2‐4) |
| 3.2 Information regarding quality ratings of providers should be included in network directories | 2.33 (1‐5) | 2.00 (1‐3) |
| 4. Reporting and regulation | ||
| 4.1 Reporting of semi‐annual network adequacy data by each contractor a | 4.14 (3‐5) | 3.25 (3‐4) |
| 4.2 Network adequacy data should be publicly available to VA Medical Centers | 4.00 (2‐5) | 4.25 (3‐5) |
| 4.3 Network adequacy data should be publicly available to Veterans | 3.83 (2‐5) | 4.25 (3‐5) |
a
Highest rated standards.