Defining Quality of Rheumatologic Care: Mexico

We present an overview of rheumatology practices in Mexico, describing the national health care system as segmented and fragmentary, with a population separated into 3 main categories, according to employment-based coverage and income level: (1) private sector, (2) Social Security System, and (3) public insurance subsector.The rheumatology practice in the public and private sectors are described. We estimate that between 85%-90% of Mexican rheumatologists have a mixed (public and private)-type practice. Payments to rheumatologists are not currently affected by quality and value metrics, with low penetrance of electronic health records. Recent changes and challenges to health insurance coverage are illustrated.