HIV, managed care, and outcomes

While it is not intended or cannot be encyclopedic, this article should provide a template for those who are starting a quality measurement program and resources where more information can be obtained. Key resources include the HIV/AIDS Bureau of the HHS, the Johns Hopkins AIDS Program, the Forum for Collaborative HIV Research, the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study, and the growing initiative of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). The IDSA also plans to address quality on a more global level, beyond the individual program. In a discussion of its HIV Quality Care Network, the IDSA reminds us that there is also a rationale beyond volume, practice, and outcome. As the IDSA continues its efforts at measuring outcomes, it will also develop data on cost and outcomes in different delivery systems to assist with appropriate public policy concerning the care of HIV-infected patients. It is hoped that this will allow all of us to influence public policy to improve the quality of care for HIV/AIDS patients and to achieve fair compensation for providers. Quality and outcomes measurement are important tools for managed care survival. Quality measurement also provides a link among providers, health care administrators, and payers. These data provide valuable information on program activities and effectiveness and are good for all of us, especially for patients.