See if your medical group/independent practice association (IPA) is a Blue Star performer.

The 2006 Blue Star Report that recognizes HMO contracting medical groups/Independent Practice Associations (IPAs) with documented high levels of performance in providing patient care is now available. Medical group performance is evaluated annually by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) in accordance with nationally based clinical practice and preventive care guidelines. Groups earn a "Blue Star" each time they meet the target care goal.

Performance Measures
Six performance measures are now being reported. Results are based on data submitted by groups during 2005. The six criteria are:

• Asthma Care with a documented Asthma Action Plan rate of at least 75 percent
• Cervical Cancer Screening of at least 80 percent of women age 21-64 having a Pap smear in 2002-2004
• Diabetes Care that demonstrates high levels of performance in providing routine diabetic care
• Childhood Immunization measured by at least 70 percent of children who turned age two receiving immunizations within recommended timeframes
• Coronary Artery Disease measured by at least 70 percent of members with an admission for a heart attack, bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty having a LDL and other coronary risk factors tracked in a systematic manner.
• Mental Health Follow-Up measured by at least 80 percent of members with a mental health admission having a follow-up visit with a behavioral health provider within 30 days of hospital discharge

Blue Star Results
Of the 139 medical groups/IPAs assessed, 11 groups (8 percent) received all six Blue Stars and 45 groups (32 percent) received five Blue Stars. The most Blue Stars (107) were earned for the Diabetes measurement; the least Blue Stars (17) were awarded in the Cervical Cancer Screening measurement.

In addition to making the results available to members, results are shared with medical groups.
BCBSIL's Quality Improvement Department uses this information to help educate and motivate medical groups/IPAs to improve their patient care performance in these areas.

Resources for Making Wiser Decisions
Along with the Blue StarSM Hospital Report, the Blue Star Medical Group/IPA Report helps HMO members make wiser health care decisions when choosing health care providers that best meet their needs. This report is a resource they can use when choosing or changing network medical groups.

View the report (PDF).