CBGH Releases Report on Consumer Ratings of Colorado Health Plans

Quality information can be used by consumers to make informed decisions about care

DENVER, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CIGNA HealthCare of Colorado HMO and United Healthcare of Colorado PPO scored the highest ratings by consumers for overall health plans in a quality report released today by the non-profit Colorado Business Group on Health (CBGH). For overall health care, CIGNA HealthCare of Colorado PPO was rated highest. The 13th annual report, Health Matters Quality Report: Health Plans, was developed to provide Coloradans with reliable information on health care quality and consumer satisfaction of health plans, and also provides suggestions around patient safety, disease management and health tips for consumers.

"As we all work to understand the implications of reform on the U.S. health care system, and its impact to employers, benefits programs, employees and our communities, it's important to measure, report and work collectively to improve the quality and cost of care," said Donna Marshall, CBGH executive director.

Consumer Ratings of Health Plans

The report features the results of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) satisfaction survey which asks consumers and patients to report and evaluate their experiences with health care. This survey of more than 4,400 Coloradans examines how plans perform on areas important to consumers, including health plan communication skills, customer service and the accessibility of services. The results are used to assess patient care, compare and report on performance and ultimately improve the quality of care.

The survey was conducted on six state Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). The satisfaction survey summary findings are based on comparisons of selected categories to the average of all reporting Colorado HMO and PPO plans, respectively.

"Much of the energy of the employer community over the last year has been focused on making sure we are compliant as a result of health reform," said Tamara Kirk, HR supervisor, Colorado Springs Utilities and president of CBGH. "It's important that we not lose sight of the big picture and continue efforts to manage health care costs while maintaining high quality for our businesses and our employees. We encourage all Colorado employers to join us in leading positive changes in the health care marketplace."

Colorado Health Matters also features the results of Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), a set of standardized performance measures developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) which allows comparison across health plans in specific areas of care. HEDIS gives purchasers and consumers the ability to distinguish between health plans based on comparative quality instead of simply cost differences. The report reveals how well Colorado health plans measure up against one another as well as national prevention goals.

About the Colorado Business Group on Health

CBGH is a non-profit coalition representing large purchasers of health care services and more than 300,000 covered lives in Colorado. Since 1996, CBGH has worked on initiatives designed to restructure health care delivery and improve quality. CBGH's mission is to advance the purchaser role to accelerate cost effective, high quality health care. For additional information visit: www.coloradohealthonline.org.

Note to Editors: The report can be viewed at http://coloradohealthonline.com/cbgh/index.cfm/publications/health-matters-report/

SOURCE Colorado Business Group on Health