HHS plans quality info exchanges

HHS is taking its efforts to foster the use of quality data to a new level. The agency announced yesterday that as part of its efforts to make quality information readily available, it was planning to create local groups which would share health quality data for a region.

These "value exchanges," which would include doctors, nurses, hospitals and health systems, health plans, employers and unions, would be run by existing regional health collaboratives. The groups ultimately share the data with HHS, which would then use the information to create a publicly-accessible national quality reporting system.

If HHS achieves its objectives with this effort, it would be a landmark in the collection and use of health quality data. While many states have sought to collect quality data, none have had the reach--nor the financial clout--that HHS enjoys.

To learn more about the information exchanges:
- read this United Press International piece
- read this HHS press release

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