What is a major goal of the HEDIS measures?

• A. To increase the cost of healthcare
• B. To reduce unnecessary treatments
• C. To improve patient care and reduce health disparities
• D. To limit patient access to specialists

Answer: (C)

A major goal of the HEDIS measures is to improve patient care and reduce health disparities. HEDIS, developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), is designed to provide standardized measures that assess the quality of health care services. By monitoring various aspects of care, such as preventive services, treatment effectiveness, and patient satisfaction, HEDIS aims to identify gaps in care, thereby enabling healthcare providers and organizations to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.

Moreover, HEDIS also emphasizes equity in healthcare by addressing health disparities, which can arise from differences in socioeconomic status, location, and access to resources. By focusing on improving the overall quality of care and ensuring that all populations receive equitable treatment, HEDIS seeks to foster a healthcare environment where improved patient outcomes are a priority. This makes it a crucial tool for quality improvement initiatives in healthcare systems.

Focusing only on tasks like reducing unnecessary treatments or limiting patient access to specialists doesn't encompass the broader objective of enhancing overall patient care and health equity, which is central to the mission of HEDIS.