Clinical Measures:  Diabetes

What we measured:  Based on a representative sample of patient charts from each physician, SJMMG looked at the patient’s hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, a lab test result that shows the average amount of sugar in the blood over the last two to three months. It helps determine if the patient’s blood sugar is well controlled.  

H.P. 2010 has set a goal of obtaining annual HbA1c levels for every patient with diabetes.  The program measures the percentage of patients nationally who met this goal, based on a representative sample of patient charts. 

SJMMG took this measure to the next level by requiring a semiannual HbA1c level, because more effective management of blood sugar reduces the potential for complications from diabetes. Even with a higher goal, SJMMG's results exceed the H.P. 2010 standard.

NCQA standards specify maintaining patients’ HbA1c levels below 7 percent, which represents good control of blood sugar levels.  Again, this reduces potential complications from diabetes, including heart, eye, kidney and nerve diseases.  The NCQA program measures the percentage of patients nationally who met this goal, based on a representative sample of patient charts.  SJMMG’s results exceed the NCQA standards.

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