Quality

Feel free to explore the quality resource information listed below. Physician Compare (Medicare.gov)

Quality of Care for Patients with Diabetes:

Controlling blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes

★★★★☆ 83%

If patients with diabetes have blood sugar levels that stay too high, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Doctors should use the A1c lab test to check patients’ blood sugar levels and should work with patients with high levels to bring their blood sugar under control.

To give NGPG its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients with diabetes who had well-controlled blood sugar levels (less than 8% on their most recent A1c lab test). More stars are better because it means more of the practice’s patients had their blood sugar under control.


Controlling blood pressure in patients with diabetes

★★★☆☆ 67%

For people with diabetes, keeping blood pressure at a healthy level helps prevent complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. If needed, doctors should work with patients to bring their blood pressure down to a healthier level.

To give NGPG its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients with diabetes who had a healthy blood pressure level (less than 140 over 90). More stars are better because it means more of the practice’s patients had blood pressure at a healthy level.


Prescribing aspirin to patients with diabetes and heart disease

★★★★☆ 82%

People who have both diabetes and heart disease have a higher risk of developing other heart problems. Doctors should work with patients who have been diagnosed with both diabetes and heart disease to determine if they should take aspirin on a daily basis to reduce the risk of other heart problems. (Aspirin may not be safe for everyone — it’s best to ask your healthcare professional if you should take aspirin.)

To give NGPG its score, Medicare looked at the percentage of patients with both diabetes and heart disease who were prescribed aspirin OR who had a medical reason why they should not take aspirin. More stars are better because it means more of the practice’s patients were prescribed the medication when needed and appropriate.

Quality of Care for Patients with Heart Disease:

Prescribing medicine to improve the pumping action of the heart in patients who have both heart disease and certain other conditions

★★★☆☆ 65%

If patients with heart disease also have diabetes or if the main pumping chamber of their heart (the left ventricle) is not pumping well, treatment recommendations say that doctors should prescribe an ACE inhibitor or ARB drug. (“ACE” means “Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme” and “ARB” means “Angiotensin Receptor Blocker.”) These types of medication help lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood.

Medicare looked at patients with heart disease who also have diabetes or a weakened left ventricle. The score is based on the percentage of these patients who were prescribed medicine to improve the pumping action of the heart. More stars are better because it means more of the practice’s patients were prescribed the medications they needed.