Messageboard

As the Fall of '09 comes around, I am in the process of applying for NCQA certification - it has been quite the journey.  If you go through the entire application it breaks down the office workflow from soup to nuts.  Policies, procedures, reports, etc need to be created and implemented, with reporting to show that the processes  are in place.  This message board might be an appropriate place for those that are considering the application.

Structuring the office to achieve a quality rating can help improve many facets of the medical office and ultimately improve the quality of care.  To achieve higher quality ratings you will need to implement a very capable EMR system with different interfaces and the capacity to report on a multitude of administrative and clinical parameters.  Pay for performance program participation relies on the use of electronic record systems - the added reimbursement helps offset the cost as you attain a higher level of efficiency in the workplace.  As pay for performance becomes more mainstream, having NCQA level 2 or 3 certification may provide higher reimbursement for your work.  It may also facilitate recruitment of more primary care physicians into the community. 

The goals are within reach with the current systems out there, you need to keep the coffee streaming and dedicate yourself to the projects to be successful.