Partnering with Consumer Reports to Empower Patients

October’s issue of Consumer Reports included a special insert of Consumer Reports Health which featured the great measurement and reporting work at MN Community Measurement (MNCM). Covering 552 Minnesota physician group practices, the project studied patient results in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, two of the deadliest chronic diseases. 

Physician groups were scored on the percentage of patients who achieve all of the targets for the best management of each condition. For cardiovascular disease, that required appropriate blood pressure , level of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, that patient’s weren’t using tobacco and that they were taking aspirin daily if necessary. Measurement of Diabetes results involved the same criteria with the addition of tests for appropriate blood sugar.

37 of the 552 practices earned the highest rating in both categories. Sixty-six practices earned the lowest score for diabetes care, 50 got the lowest score for cardiovascular care, and 24 scored lowest in both categories. MNCM reminds Minnesotans that a low score doesn’t necessarily mean a bad doctor as many factors contribute to a practice’s rating. They encourage consumers to use the information as a tool to improve their health care by talking with their provider about the results. 

About Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has more than 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, DC, the states, and in the marketplace.

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