7 traits of a high-performing system

A high-performing system not only efficiently coordinates care and uses meaningful technology, but it also rewards its providers for carrying out those efforts.

The American Medical Group Association (AMGA) yesterday defined a "high-performing system," which the trade group hopes will be adopted by Capitol Hill and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in future policies that offer incentives for health systems.

AMGA member work groups, its public policy committee and the board of directors developed the definition for legislators, insurers and the public because of "confusion about what constitutes a high-performing health system," AMGA President and CEO Donald W. Fisher said in a statement.

Its definition includes the following areas, which providers can use as goals for operational and quality improvement, according to AMGA:

1. Efficient provision of services to manage per-capita costs
2. Organized system of care, which provides continuum of care across inpatient and outpatient settings
3. Quality measurement and improvement activities, including continuous learning, research and external reporting and public patient experience surveys
4. Care coordination, which promotes a single, shared plan of care across settings
5. Use of information technology and evidence-based medicine for making clinical decisions, patient monitoring and drug prescribing
6. Compensation practices that promote quality metrics on chronic disease, prevention and patient experience
7. Accountability on finances and regulations

For more information:
- read the AMGA announcement
- see the AMGA definition

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