November 10, 2007

The Measurement of Health Care Performance: A Primer from the CMSS

This paper, developed by Katherine E. Garrett for the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), titled The Measurement of Health Care Performance: A Primer from the CMSS, is a 'quick reference' guide to the measurement of health care performance and evidence to support the ongoing work of the CMSS to advance quality and continuous professional development.

This report is to provide leaders of professional societies and practicing clinicians with definitions of key terms, a summary of major developments in research and policy that have led to the current focus on performance measurement, descriptions of the major players in performance measurement, their roles and the results of their work, explanations of measurement methodologies, the outlook for performance measurement, and suggestions for supporting the valid and effective use of performance measurement. The information provided in this report will help physicians and specialty societies be better prepared to take their necessary spot in the development regarding the "transparency regarding health care quality and price".