November 14, 2008
The Internal Medicine Clinic at UNC Health Care has received recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance Diabetes Physician Recognition Program, a widely recognized indicator of high-quality care.
The Diabetes Care Program at the Internal Medicine Clinic is directed by Robb Malone, PharmD, CDE, CPP, who is also a clinical assistant professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
In order to be recognized by the NCQA, organizations must first pass a rigorous, comprehensive review and must annually report on their performance. The NCQA seal is a reliable indicator that an organization is well-managed and delivers high-quality care and service.
The NCQA uses an evidence-based formula that includes 10 nationally recognized clinical standards of care, which include factors such as blood pressure control, HbA1c control, eye and foot examination, and nephropathy assessment. The ten criteria add up to a maximum total of 100 points, and a practice must tally at least 75 points to receive NCQA recognition.
The NCQA is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health-care quality. Since its founding in 1990, it has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health-care system, helping to elevate the issue of health-care quality to the top of the national agenda.