The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recognized 36 University Hospitals physicians for providing the highest level of diabetes care. The physicians represent 17 practice groups within University Hospitals Medical Practices (UHMP).
The doctors received the distinction through NCQA’s Diabetes Physicians Recognition Program (DPRP), which was developed with the American Diabetes Association to focus on physicians who use evidence-based measures and provide excellent care to patients with diabetes.
“This honor highlights our region-wide commitment to diabetes treatment and prevention,” said Michael L. Nochomovitz, M.D., President and Chief Medical Officer of UHMP. “And, it acknowledges the dedication that our physicians have to their patients.
“Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, but particularly in regions such as Northeast Ohio,” he said. “Unchecked, diabetes can contribute to other life-threatening issues such as stroke and heart disease.”
DPRP measures 10 areas including:
- HbA1c control (a measure of blood glucose)
- Blood pressure control
- LDL control (“bad” cholesterol)
- Eye examinations
- Nephropathy assessment
- Smoking status and cessation advice or treatment
Evidence-based measures refer to processes of care or practice guidelines that are based on scientific evidence. By complying with evidence-based processes of care, the complications of diabetes such as stroke, heart attack and visual loss often improve.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Since its founding in 1990, NCQA has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health care system, helping to elevate the issue of health care quality to the top of the national agenda.