Discussion: Variations in Quality of Medical Practice

Variations, too much or too little in health care, are an indication of poor quality in medical practice and often raise questions about the quality and efficiency of the use and allocations of resources, and they have important implications for health care and health policy.

In this Discussion, you will conduct an evaluation of the variation of issues affecting Medicare reimbursements to determine warranted or unwarranted variations. You will provide an analysis of those variation issues that may affect reimbursements and recommend ways to overcome the issue(s).

To prepare:

Read/review the Dartmouth Atlas Data document, containing key statistics per state, and the Learning Resources related to variations in quality in medical practices.

Dartmouth Atlas Data document (Excel spreadsheet)

Note: For this Discussion you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleague’s postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

The Discussion:

In an attempt to figure out why there is a tremendous difference between Medicare reimbursements between states, data were pulled from the top and the bottom of the list that include the following information adjusted for price, age, sex, and race. The 90th percentile group is at or above $10,578, and the 10th percentile group is at or below $7,497.

By Day 3

Post a cohesive response to the following:

Using the Excel spreadsheet (Dartmouth Atlas) and other Resources for the week, post your analysis of the variation issues that may affect diverse Medicare reimbursements and why. Recommend strategies for overcoming the issues.

Note: Local governmental differences are not a valid reason.

Support your response by identifying and explaining key points and/or examples presented in the Learning Resources.

Assignment: Initiatives in Strategic Health Care Organizations

The old adage, “form follows function” describes considering the importance of what you are trying to accomplish before you decide how to get there. It is important to remember that you have to have the will to improve, ideas about alternatives to the status quo, and make it real—execute (Nolan, 2007).

In this Discussion, you will describe strategic health care quality initiatives in two organizations attempting to accomplish their goals and objectives in quality improvement. You will also examine the purpose of the initiatives(s) and share the issues and opportunities for improvement, as well as address any elements crucial to improving quality in your health care organization or one you are familiar with.

To prepare:

Read and review the resources in the Learning Resources section as they relate to initiatives in strategic health care organizations.

Select ONE organization from each of the TWO groups listed:

Group I:

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
• Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)

Group II:

• ANCC Magnet Recognition Program
• Baldrige Performance Excellence Program
• The Leapfrog Group

The Assignment:

In a 3- to 4-page paper (excluding title page and references):

• Describe strategic health care quality initiatives in two of the organizations. Compareand contrast the purposes of the initiatives.

• Analyze strategic quality issues and opportunities for improvement within the two organizations.
• Evaluatewhich elements of the initiatives are crucial to the quality-improvement opportunities of your health care organization or an organization with which you are familiar.

Note: Your Assignment must be written in standard edited English. Be sure to support your work with at least five high-quality references, including two from peer-reviewed journals. Refer to the Essential Guide to APA Style for Walden Students to ensure that your in-text citations and reference list are correct. This Assignment will be graded using this rubric: Week 4 Assignment Rubric (PDF). Your Assignment should show effective application of triangulation of content and resources in your conclusion and recommendations.