Balanced scorecards for specialists: a tool for quality improvement.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Performance Measurement
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Specialist performance assessment is crucial for quality improvement.
• Existing methods may lack comprehensive comparative data.
• HealthPartners sought to enhance specialist evaluation for its members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe HealthPartners' Balanced Scorecards program for assessing specialist performance.
• To outline the methodology for comparing cardiologist and orthopedist practices.
• To detail the data dissemination process to stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• The Balanced Scorecards program assesses clinical and business processes.
• It evaluates resource utilization, patient and referring physician satisfaction.
• Patient outcomes are a key performance indicator.

Main Results:

• Comparative performance data is generated for specialist practices.
• Data covers clinical processes, resource use, satisfaction, and outcomes.
• A structured review process ensures data accuracy and transparency.

Conclusions:

• The Balanced Scorecards program provides a framework for objective specialist performance evaluation.
• Transparent data sharing, post-review, empowers stakeholders.
• This approach aims to improve the quality of specialist care for HealthPartners members.