Calif. Office of the Patient Advocate Releases Ranking of HMOs, PPOs
On Wednesday, the California Office of the Patient Advocate released a report ranking state HMOs, PPOs and medical groups based on their performance in preventive care, cancer treatment and diabetes care, among other services, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Details of Report
The report examined:
- More than 200 medical groups;
- 10 HMOs; and
- Six PPOs.
OPA Director Elizabeth Abbott said the report aims to help California residents make decisions during the Affordable Care Act's upcoming enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31, 2016.
She said, "We're trying to add the quality measure to the equation so employers and unions and consumers will make real solid informed decisions."
The report gives plans overall grades, as well as specific ratings for services, such as maternity and heart care. It did not review costs.
Report Findings
According to the report, the top performing HMOs in California were:
- Kaiser Permanente-Northern California, which received the highest-possible score of four stars; and
- Kaiser Permanente-Southern California, which also received four stars (Pfeifer, Los Angeles Times, 10/8).
The top PPOs in the state were:
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO, which received three stars; and
- Cigna PPO, which also received three stars.
Meanwhile, the report rated 207 medical groups in 39 counties based on clinical and patient experience ratings (OPA report, October, 2015).
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