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 clickingSubmit!

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.

Read a selection of your colleagues' postings. Consider how your colleagues' postings relate to the information presented in the Learning Resources and to your own posting.

By Day 5

Respond to at least two of your colleagues' postings and continue the Discussion through Day 7 by identifying any common patterns or trends that may have emerged.