Introduction: Healthcare benchmarking is essential for quality programs and practice management, instilling patient confidence by measuring physician performance against standards. The physician profile was developed to track and compare relevant metrics to these benchmarks, serving as a resource for physician awareness and a tool for re-credentialing and privilege reviews.
Methods: Physician Profile template, created collaboratively with credentialed physicians and administrative staff using Excel, captures key metrics like volume-based data, quality indicators, medical staff participation, and patient satisfaction. Data from electronic health records systems were exported using reporting tools. The Medical Director reviewed profiles, noting deviations from benchmarks, and profiles were signed by providers, ensuring a closed-loop approach. Profiles are maintained in credentialing files and reviewed quarterly, incorporating them into the re-credentialing process reviewed by the Board of Directors.
Results: Profiles with 2023 data have been updated quarterly since 2024 Q1. These profiles confirmed known trends and identified new ones, such as screening colonoscopies with scope withdrawal times under six minutes. Providers with short withdrawal times were informed and showed improvement in the following quarter. Trends in cancellation rates and scheduling issues were also identified, leading to targeted reductions in service date cancellations. Documentation disparities in noting aborted cases and bowel prep quality were found, prompting process improvement initiatives.
Discussion: The Physician Profile has highlighted the importance of effective electronic health record system utilization for accurate data extraction and presentation. Consistent data handling is vital for reliable benchmarking and quality improvement. The profile fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability by regularly reviewing performance metrics. This transparency encourages collaboration. By making data accessible and actionable, the profile empowers providers. Additionally, the profile identifies and addresses specific improvement areas, such as scope withdrawal times and cancellation rates, enhancing care quality and operational efficiency. Maintaining and reviewing Physician Profiles have been beneficial for re-credentialing and privilege reviews, incorporating comprehensive performance data and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
Figure: Figure 1. The "Physician Profile" template which includes volume-based data, quality indicators, medical staff participation, patient satisfaction and other fluid metrics based on current facility initiatives and goals.
Amanda Frondella indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Rohit Singhania, MBBS, MS1, Amanda Frondella, MD2. P1497 - A Novel Way of Presenting Physician Quality Data to Promote Benchmarking Success: The Physician Profile, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.
