The quality of health care has become one of the most important discussions in the public forum today. Recent studies point out substantial shortfalls in the achievement of clinical standards of health care, and consumer demand is driving significant change.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is in a unique position to support our participating clinicians and facilities in improving their delivery of care in an effective and sustainable way. With that goal, we are engaging our participating clinicians and facilities in a variety of initiatives under the umbrella of the Collaboration on Quality program. The goal of these initiatives, developed in collaboration with our participating providers, is to improve the quality of care and efficiency.

The Collaboration on Quality program is a collaboration between Wellmark and providers to:

• Measure and calculate performance of health care delivered, including outcomes, by processing health care information submitted by Wellmark and the providers
• Support the providers' efforts to improve the delivery of health care based upon statistical analysis and application of process improvement methods
• Provide information to support providers' efficient and effective health care delivery
• Share information with the public regarding the providers' participation and performance in the program

Below are links to information on the components of the Collaboration on Quality program currently in progress. Clinicians and facilities that actively participate in these programs are recognized in Wellmark's provider directories for their commitment to quality improvement.

We know the success of these programs depends on the continuing goodwill and cooperation of the health care community. The conception, development and facilitation of Wellmark's Collaboration on Quality initiatives have included and will continue to involve collaboration with participating clinicians and facilities.

• Incent and Reward Best Practices for Primary Care Clinicians Who Meet Performance Measures
• Clinician Performance Reports Target Specific Practice Patterns
• Collaborating for Innovative Care – Learning Together to Improve Performance

Contact Wellmark or your Iowa or South Dakota Network Relations manager for additional information on the Collaboration on Quality program.

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Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association doing business in Iowa and South Dakota. Blue Cross®, Blue Shield®, and the Cross® and Shield® symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.