COLLABORATION
with caregivers and patients to create healthier lives
Scott & White Health Plan receives top award
from Texas Diabetes Council
ABOVE THE REST
In October 2014, the Texas Diabetes Council presented the Scott & White Health Plan with an
award in recognition of its excellence in caring for diabetic patients. It is the only health plan
in Texas to exceed state and nationwide standards set by the National Committee on Quality
Assurance (NCQA) in six categories related to comprehensive diabetes care.
receive NCQA accreditation,
health plans across the nation
must meet requirements
established in a cluster of benchmarks
called HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness
Data and Information Set), a
standardized set of clinical performance
measures. Because diabetes is one of the
most prevalent chronic and preventable
diseases, the NCQA has established
HEDIS quality care standards for
optimal patient health.
Diabetes affects more than 1.8
million people in Texas alone, according
to the American Diabetes Association.
People with Type 2 diabetes are unable
to process the hormone insulin—
necessary for metabolism—because of
illness, obesity, metabolic syndrome (a
cluster of symptoms, such as high blood
pressure and blood sugar, unhealthy
cholesterol levels and abdominal fat),
or other factors. This situation creates
insulin resistance and, if left untreated,
can have a devastating effect on
To
patients’ eyes, kidneys, heart, and feet.
The Texas Diabetes Council’s
award underscores the value of the Scott
& White Health Plan’s integration
with Baylor Scott & White Health in
achieving clinical quality standards that
translate to better patient outcomes.
“Having an insurance provider as part
of the healthcare system is a critical
piece. It’s an incentive to provide
better preventive care to keep patients
healthy and out of the hospital,” says
Paul Godley, PharmD, director of
pharmacy services at the Scott &
White Health Plan.
Diabetes Day
makes a difference
Part of the reason for the program’s
success can be attributed to community
outreach activities, including the
annual Diabetes Day. This specially
designated day provides an opportunity
for patients to complete important care
management activities, such as feet and
eye exams. The health plan identifies
patients with diabetes who haven’t
been seen in a clinical setting for a
while; health system clinicians provide
necessary exams and laboratory tests,
as well as education about healthy
diet and exercise, and medication
compliance, to help keep patients
on track. Patient information goes
into the electronic medical records
(EMR) system, and alerts primary care
providers of a patient’s status.
Glen Couchman, MD, chief medical
officer for the Central Texas division of
Baylor Scott & White Health, credits
the collaboration between the health
plan and the healthcare system for
helping patients with diabetes manage
the disease. “We are proud of the
teamwork that resulted in the Diabetes
Council’s award,” he says. “Working
together and remaining focused on
quality are essential components to
help all of our patients achieve their
health goals.” n
For more information on diabetes education and
management programs at Scott & White Healthcare,
visit sw.org/diabetes/diabetes.
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THE CATALYST May 15 | sw.org