NCH recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for high performance

Northwest Community Healthcare’s physician hospital organization, Northwest Community Health Partners, was recently recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for high levels of performance in providing patient care.

The PHO, comprised of more than 500 primary care and specialist physicians, was one of four groups that earned all 12 blue stars in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ 2012 Blue Star Medical Group/IPA Report and Blue Ribbon Report, which measured performances of 90 groups. The PHO also received a Blue Ribbon designation for member satisfaction — one of only three groups to earn 12 stars and a blue ribbon.

“At NCH we are dedicated to providing clinical excellence along with compassionate care to meet high standards of quality and satisfaction for our patients and their families,” says Stephen Scogna, NCH’s chief operating officer. “We are very proud that our PHO sets the standard of excellence. This award recognizes the physicians whose medical practices and preventive care earned them this significant achievement.”

Groups earn a blue star each time they meet or exceed the target care goal in one of 12 reporting categories. Annually, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois evaluates medical group performance based on national clinical practice and preventive care guidelines.

The reporting criteria are asthma; diabetes; breast cancer screening; childhood immunization; mental health follow-up; controlling high blood pressure; colorectal cancer screening; management of cardiovascular conditions; cervical cancer screening; physician and member outreach; adult wellness; and pediatric wellness.