Table 10: Application of efficiency measures

Health Care Efficiency Measures: Identification, Categorization, and Evaluation

ApplicationImportantScientifically SoundFeasibleActionable
 InterpretabilityOpportunity for improvementAttributable to & differentiates between providers/firmsSample size, includes needed data elementsAdjustments for case-mix, provider characteristics, etc.Data availabilityCost of measurementTransparency of methodsUnderstandable and usable for target audience
Research         
Internal review & improvement         
Health plans         
Hospitals         
Physicians         
Public reporting         
Regions         
Health plans         
Hospitals         
Physicians         
Pay-for-performance         
Hospitals         
Physicians         
Health plan selection (purchasers)         
Provider network selection (health plans)         
Tiered copayments (health plans)         

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Current as of April 2008
Internet Citation: Table 10: Application of efficiency measures: Health Care Efficiency Measures: Identification, Categorization, and Evaluation. April 2008. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/final-reports/efficiency/hcemtab10.html